Into the Wild
After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity, and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness.
Critics Sentiment
Chris dies alone in his sleeping bag after poisoning
Chris finds the stream too dangerous to cross back
The film drops to its lowest point when Chris realizes he's trapped by the swollen river, then soars to its emotional peak with his transcendent death sequence.
Into the Wild maintains consistently strong sentiment throughout most of its runtime, with particular peaks during the key relationships with supporting characters like Ron Franz and the hippie couple. The film's emotional crescendo comes with Chris's death, which critics universally praised as a masterful and unforgettable conclusion. While some reviewers noted pacing issues in the middle sections, the overall critical reception remained positive due to Penn's direction, Hirsch's committed performance, and the film's stunning cinematography.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 45
Emile Hirsch
Christopher McCandless / Alexander Supertramp
Marcia Gay Harden
Billie McCandless
William Hurt
Walt McCandless
Jena Malone
Carine McCandless / Additional Narration (voice)
Brian H. Dierker
Rainey
Catherine Keener
Jan Burres
Vince Vaughn
Wayne Westerberg
Kristen Stewart
Tracy Tatro
Hal Holbrook
Ronald "Ron" Franz
Thure Lindhardt
Mads
Signe Egholm Olsen
Sonja
Jim Gallien
Jim Gallien
James J. O'Neill
Graduation Reader
Malinda McCollum
Waitress
Paul Knauls
Building Manager
Zach Galifianakis
Kevin
Craig Mutsch
Wayne's Crew #1
Jim Beidler
Wayne's Crew #2
John Decker
Hutterite #1
John Hofer
Hutterite #2
Crew
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