Gerry (2002)

Gerry (2002) is an American drama film written and directed by Gus Van Sant, with stars and co-writers Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. The characters embark on a hike at a marked location called ‘Wilderness Trail’. Along the way, they encounter other passing hikers. In order to avoid any interruptions, they choose to venture off the trail. After some walking, conversation and even an impromptu foot race, they decide to turn back. However, it doesn’t take long for them to realize that they are completely lost. As night falls, they build a campfire and attempt to strategize their next move. Despite their efforts of splitting up, retracing their steps and following animal tracks, they remain lost in the wilderness without sustenance or hydration.

Frustration begins to set in as the days pass by with no sign of rescue in sight. As they trek through a vast desert, the two companions eventually fall into an exhausted and silent march. Overcome by fatigue and lack of water, they both collapse. Affleck’s character, the weaker of the two, declares his intent to depart, reaching for Damon’s character. In a wordless frenzy, Damon’s character wrestles with him before succumbing once again. Later on, he awakens and discovers a nearby highway. The final scene shows him in the backseat of a car owned by a father and son who appear to have come to his rescue. Though badly sunburned, he gazes out at the passing landscape.