Watch East of the Mountains
- 2021
- 1 hr 33 min
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5.6 (1,111)
East of the Mountains is a heartfelt drama from 2021 that stars Tom Skerritt, Mira Sorvino, and Annie Gonzalez. The film follows the story of an elderly man named Ben Givens who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Knowing that he doesn't have much time left, Ben decides to go on a final hunting trip in the high desert hills of Washington state, where he grew up.
As Ben prepares for his trip, he reflects on his life and the decisions he has made, including the unforgivable mistake he made that led to him breaking his family's heart. The memories of his wife Rachel and son Cody plague him, but he is determined to see this journey through to the end.
Along the way, Ben meets a young woman named Atalie, who has been stranded in the desert after her car breaks down. Atalie is on her way to meet her estranged mother, who lives in a nearby town. Despite his own troubles, Ben agrees to help her and the two form an unlikely bond as they make their way through the rugged terrain.
As Ben and Atalie journey through the wilderness, they encounter a series of challenges and obstacles that test their courage and perseverance. They must navigate treacherous cliffs, evade hunters, and contend with wildlife. As they struggle to survive, they find themselves growing closer and opening up to one another about their personal demons.
As the story unfolds, we witness Ben coming to terms with his past and seeking redemption for the mistakes he has made. Through his interactions with Atalie, he also finds hope for the future and learns to embrace the fleeting beauty of life.
The film is a poignant meditation on mortality, regret, and the transformative power of human connection. Tom Skerritt delivers a masterful performance as Ben Givens, conveying a sense of dignity and grace even as his physical body fails him. Mira Sorvino and Annie Gonzalez also shine in their respective roles as Rachel and Atalie, injecting warmth and humor into the story.
The stunning Pacific Northwest landscape also plays a central role in the film, with its rugged mountains, lush forests, and occasional glimpses of wildlife serving as a reflection of the characters' emotional interiority.
Overall, East of the Mountains is a stirring and poignant drama that explores the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and redemption. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with regret or grappled with the impermanence of life.
East of the Mountains is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 69.