Walking Out

Walking Out is an engaging and riveting 2017 drama portraying a father-son relationship in its truest sense. It is set against the backdrop of the wild and unyielding wilderness of Montana and based on a short story by David Quammen. The movie, directed by the talented Alex and Andrew Smith, gracefully combines elements of adventure, suspense, and family dynamics.

One of the main characters, former town-celebrity and experienced hunter Cal, is portrayed by Matt Bomer. Josh Wiggins, meanwhile, plays the reluctant and urban-minded David, Cal's estranged son, visiting from Texas for their annual hunting trip. Bill Pullman stars in a notable supporting role as the flashback vision of Cal's own father, the link in the generational chain of Huntsmen.

The movie begins with David leaving his home in Texas to visit his father in Montana for their annual hunting trip, a tradition passed down from their ancestors. David, a typical teenager from the urban realm, is more comfortable with his video games and technology than the raw, natural habitat presented by the Montana wilderness.

Cal, on the other hand, is a man of the wild, grounded in old traditions and local folklore. He has learned the art of survival from his father and yearns for his son to do the same. He believes the present trip will finally be an opportunity for him to share those skills and traditions with David.

Walking Out takes the audience on an arduous journey through the majestic landscapes of Montana frontier. The mountains, the freezing weather, and the wildlife are not just mere settings but pivotal characters that influence the narrative. This vast, intimidating backcloth becomes a canvas for the father-son duo to embark on their existential trip.

As the story unfolds, conflict lines are drawn and the relationships become tense due to a clash of generational ideologies. Cal is passionate about teaching his son the skills for hunting and wilderness survival. However, David, who is used to a very contrasting urban lifestyle, struggles to resonate with his father's teachings. Amidst these clashing worlds, Walking Out gracefully explores the theme of what it means to be a father, and what it means to be a son.

Josh Wiggins delivers a compelling portrayal of the young David. He shines as a modern teenager, wary of the wilderness and at odds with his father's worldview. Matt Bomer takes up the complex character of Cal, a man torn between his wild hunting lifestyle and his role as a father. Bomer effortlessly captures the wild spirit of Cal and his subtle yearning to bond with his son. Bill Pullman, though seen only in the flashback, leaves a lasting impact and helps in understanding the familial roots of Cal’s love for wilderness.

The captivating cinematography forms the soul of Walking Out as it captures the wilderness in its true sense - beautiful yet dangerous, tranquil yet merciless. Kamal Derkaoui, the cinematographer, does an excellent job in capturing the mesmerizing Montana landscapes in all their glory. The expansive vistas, sweeping valleys, and chilling snowscapes become characters in and of themselves, as they play significant roles in the storytelling process.

Walking Out is a classic tale of survival juxtaposed with the complexities and subtleties of father-son relationships. The motifs of survival, coming-of-age, and familial ties are weaved together into a beautiful, albeit precarious, tapestry. It is a movie sure to resonate with audiences who appreciate the suspense of survival dramas mixed with nuanced emotional narratives.

The wilderness survival element of Walking Out is fraught with suspense, as Cal and David confront their fears and limits in the cruel grip of nature. Their survival journey, filled with trials and tribulations, is skillfully captured, keeping viewers on the edge. At its core, Walking Out is an exploration of the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones, and the sacrifices they'd make for family.

To conclude, Walking Out is an emotionally taut film that invites its audience to contemplate the complex ties that bind a father and son. It's a visual and emotional journey through the unforgiving wilderness that also explores the question of what it truly means to walk in someone else's shoes, to truly understand them. Guided by masterful performances and shrouded in the suspense of survival, this film offers both an exciting narrative and a poignant investigation into the changing dynamics of relationships over generations.