Sean Penn directs this 2007 film he adapted from Jon Krakauer’s novel about the true story of Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a disconnected recent college grad who travels throughout North America, eventually making his way to Alaska, where he’s determined to live off the land. Unfortunately, Chris’ trek proves tragic, but the real question is if he meant it as an end to his story or the beginning of a new one.
The film cuts between Chris’ worried parents, Billie (Marcia Gay Harden) and Walt (William Hurt), and his sister, Carine (Jena Malone), and the people he encounters as he makes his way across the country. The cast’s incredible and includes Catherine Keener, Hal Holbrook, Kristen Stewart, Vince Vaughn, and Zach Galifianakis. Between this cast and Penn’s intentional direction, and of course the painstakingly researched book it’s drawn from, we’re left with an engaging portrait of a lost soul on a tragic trajectory.
Hirsch is especially good, fully inhabiting this flawed but earnest young man. We’re rooting for him, even though his effort to find bliss lies far beyond the harsh reality of surviving Alaska. Being a free spirit sounds exotic and fulfilling, but it’s a lifestyle that runs parallel to recklessness.
It’s also gorgeous. Cinematographer Eric Gautier captures the stunning landscape, creating a haunting big screen-worthy story. (90 min.)
—Anna Starkey
This article appears in Aug 14-24, 2025.