A better film than you may think it is

Rating: 10/10 (10 October 2019)

I've read the book, and with 20 + years of active military service, I have a pretty good background in "wilderness survival". Make no mistake here, this is a story of cleansing and rebirth for Chris/Alex. The sad part is that he almost pulled it off. This is so well written, and acted that it deserves more than it really gets. Hal Holbrook puts in what is probably his best ever roles, and only Hal could have done this so well.
Before really deciding to pan this film, read the book. Take a careful look at what Chris/Alex is really doing here. As I've said this is one more about a rebirth, and not so much escape, after realizing what his father really is. As his sister says, they were out of wedlock children, and the father only made that worse, day in and day out. The ending I would have liked to see is Chris/Alex finally squaring with his guilt and returning to the character Hal Holbrook played so well. If Chris had some survival training, he might have just pulled it off. Do give this film another look see before giving it your final grade.