TIFF ’24 Review: ‘The Mountain’ demonstrates it’s about the journey, not the destination
‘The Mountain’ follows three kids’ pilgrimage to a mountain as they each hope to find something at its peak.
Being around nature can be both humbling and enlightening. Recognizing its vastness and resilience, while also appreciating its connection to all living things can really put things into perspective. Nature can be life-affirming or menacing, miniscule or colossal, quiet or deafening. Its range is immeasurable, as is its influence on everything. It still consists of wonders no one can explain, and we continue to discover new things even after centuries of study and exploration. In The Mountain, a young cancer patient wants to try to harness the healing powers of a mountain with a dangerous journey to its peak.
Sam (Elizabeth Atkinson) has spent a lot of time in the hospital, which has given her ample time to figure out the best route of escape. With the help of a friend (Sukena Shah) who offers to cover for her absence, Sam sets off to climb to the top of Mt. Taranaki in hopes it will cure her cancer. Along the way, she meets Mallory (Reuben Francis), who is also journeying alone to visit the mountain and reconnect with his mom who recently died. They’re joined by Bronco (Terence Daniel), a proud Māori boy who exudes confidence, but is also very sensitive and protective of the Earth.
This is somewhat of a fool’s errand as Sam sets out on the long trek without any supplies, making her chance meeting with Mallory a stroke of luck. The pair have a bit of a rough start as Sam has spent so much time confronting death, she’s somewhat flippant about it, while Mallory is still very much suffering the loss of his mother. Thus, Bronco provides some much-needed positive energy for both of them. The trio develop a quick bond as they decide to make the long hike together, though the trip is not without its disagreements.
In the meantime, their three single parents begin searching for them as soon as they realize they’re missing. They all know they’re trying to go to the mountain for one reason or another, and eventually form their own trinity to find their children, who are determined to evade capture until they’ve achieved their goal. Māori traditions are sprinkled throughout the narrative, from Sam’s connection to Taranaki to Bronco’s frequent use of the language to a beautiful origin story that tells of the love between two peaks. Their adventure doesn’t bring any life-altering revelations, but does allow them to find friendship at a time in their lives when they’re all feeling very much alone.
The Mountain had its North American premiere in the Centrepiece programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Rachel House
Starring: Elizabeth Atkinson, Terrence Daniel and Reuben Francis
