The Revenant Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy gets mauled by a bear, then has a really, really bad day, and then he doesn’t.

🍿 The Revenant: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Attack and Betrayal

In 1823, frontiersman Hugh Glass leads a fur-trapping expedition in the American wilderness. The group is attacked by Native Americans, resulting in significant casualties, forcing the remaining trappers to abandon their boat and hike back to the nearest outpost. While scouting, Glass is brutally attacked by a grizzly bear, suffering severe injuries that leave him barely alive. His fellow trappers, including the cynical John Fitzgerald, are forced to carry him, slowing their progress significantly.

Left for Dead

Fitzgerald, impatient and opportunistic, convinces a few others that Glass is beyond saving and a liability. They are tasked to remain behind to look after him. Instead, Fitzgerald kills Glass’s half-Pawnee son, Hawk, when he witnesses Fitzgerald attempting to smother a still-living Glass and then lies to the remaining trapper and buries a barely-alive Hugh Glass in a shallow grave. He then lies to the rest of the group about both of their deaths and leaves Glass for dead, believing he will succumb to his wounds and the elements.

Survival and Vengeance

Against all odds, Glass survives and emerges from his shallow grave, driven by the desire for vengeance against Fitzgerald. He embarks on an arduous journey through the harsh winter wilderness, using his knowledge of the land and survival skills. His trek is fraught with peril, including encounters with Native Americans and the unforgiving cold, pushing Glass to his physical and mental limits as he pursues his betrayers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio): The resilient frontiersman who embarks on a perilous journey of survival and revenge after being left for dead.
• John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy): The ruthless and treacherous fur trapper who betrays Hugh Glass and leaves him to die.
• Bridger (Will Poulter): A young and conflicted member of the hunting team, torn between loyalty and survival.
• Captain Andrew Henry (Domhnall Gleeson): The captain of the fur trading expedition who struggles with moral decisions in the harsh wilderness.
• Hawk (Forrest Goodluck): Hugh Glass’s half-Pawnee son, who is a victim of the betrayal and violence in the story.
• Elk Dog (Duane Howard): The Arikara chief searching for his kidnapped daughter, intersecting with Glass’ journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hugh Glass’ Wife: “As long as you can still grab a breath, you fight. You breathe. Keep breathing.” – This repeated line embodies Hugh’s will to survive and his inner strength through severe situations.
• John Fitzgerald: “I ain’t afraid to die anymore. I done it already.” – Said by Fitzgerald, encapsulating his ruthless nature and desperate state as he faces death.
• Hikuc: “Revenge is in the Creator’s hands.” – A Pawnee man telling Hugh Glass to let go of revenge, emphasizing the Native American worldview in the movie.
• Hugh Glass: “They took everything from me.” – A simple yet impactful statement capturing Glass’ grief and his motivation for vengeance after suffering so much.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $135,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $183,637,894
• Worldwide Gross: $532,950,503

💥 The Revenant Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Revenant’ is not your typical Sunday afternoon movie. I felt like I was actually in the freezing wilderness with Leo, totally miserable but also weirdly captivated. The bear attack scene? I literally had to look away. It was so intense and realistic, it was crazy. And the whole survival trek? Made my couch seem way too comfy. It’s a tough watch, but it definitely made me think about what it means to push through when everything is against you. I can’t say I ‘enjoyed’ it, but I absolutely won’t forget it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of survival stories and historical dramas.”
  • “Viewers interested in visually stunning cinematography.”
  • “Those who appreciate intense and gritty character-driven narratives.”
  • “Admirers of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy’s acting.”
  • “Fans of Western and action genres.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and gore.”
  • “Disturbing scenes of animal attacks and human suffering.”
  • “Mature themes and language.”
  • “Some thematic elements may be disturbing for sensitive viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Visually stunning and brutally intense, ‘The Revenant’ is a survival story that pushes its actors to the limit.
• Metacritic: “A technically impressive film that relies heavily on its visuals to convey a brutal story of survival and revenge.
• The Guardian: “A visceral and immersive experience, ‘The Revenant’ is a film that leaves a lasting impact with its striking visuals and raw performances.
• Empire: “A truly epic and unforgettable film, ‘The Revenant’ is a masterclass in filmmaking, boasting breathtaking visuals and powerful performances.

Audience Reactions

The bear attack was insane!: Many viewers were awestruck by the realism and intensity of the bear attack scene.

Leo’s performance was incredible!: Many viewers praised DiCaprio’s commitment and emotional portrayal of Hugh Glass, often stating it was Oscar-worthy.

The visuals were breathtaking!: Viewers frequently mentioned the stunning cinematography and immersive landscapes as high points of the film.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and intensely brutal survival epic, praised for its performances and cinematography but criticized for its pacing and bleakness.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Director)- 2016
2. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 2016
3. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 2016
4. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 2016
5. Golden Globe (Best Director – Motion Picture)- 2016
6. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in chronological order, a rare practice, to aid in Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of his character’s physical and emotional decline.”
• “Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu insisted on using only natural light for filming, which led to long shooting days and limited usable footage each day.”
• “The bear attack scene, which is almost 6 minutes long, took months of planning and used a combination of practical effects and CGI to create.”
• “Leonardo DiCaprio ate a raw bison liver on camera for a scene, despite being a vegetarian, to authentically portray his character’s desperation.”
• “The remote filming locations in Canada and Argentina caused production delays and logistical challenges, including extreme weather conditions.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Revenant?

The Revenant is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, and can be rented or purchased through various digital retailers like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are also available for purchase online and in stores, offering options for those who prefer a tangible format. Be sure to check your preferred platform for current pricing and availability, as offerings and costs can vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Revenant, you might like these similar films:

• The Grey (2011): Features a group of men battling the elements and wildlife for survival after a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, focusing on man vs. nature.
• Jeremiah Johnson (1972): A classic wilderness survival film about a mountain man’s solitary existence and struggles with nature and Native Americans in the 19th century.
• Apocalypto (2006): A brutal survival tale set in the ancient Mayan world, where a man must fight for his life against overwhelming odds to get back to his family.
• First Blood (1982): Features a lone man facing incredible odds in a survival setting, fueled by a desire for revenge against those who wronged him.
• Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972): A visually stunning and brutal exploration of obsession and survival in the Amazonian jungle, presenting a similar sense of isolation and despair.

🛒 The Revenant Related Products

• The Revenant [Blu-ray]: Own the Oscar-winning film in stunning high-definition, complete with behind-the-scenes features.
• The Art of The Revenant: An immersive look into the making of the film, featuring concept art, behind-the-scenes photos, and interviews with the cast and crew.
• The Revenant Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the film’s striking theatrical poster, perfect for decorating any fan’s home.
• The Revenant Inspired Survival Knife: A high quality, replica survival knife inspired by the one used by Hugh Glass in the film, made with durable materials. (Please note: this is a replica, for novelty purposes only. Always exercise caution)

🎧 Soundtrack

The Revenant features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Revenant Main Theme” – performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto
• “Killing Hawk” – performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto
• “Arikara Elder” – performed by Chesley Wilson
• “Discovering River” – performed by Alva Noto

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Leonardo DiCaprio winning Best Actor | 88th Oscars (2016)

Watch Leonardo DiCaprio’s unforgettable moment as he accepts the Best Actor Oscar for his powerful portrayal in The Revenant. It’s a testament to his exceptional talent and the film’s profound impact.

Hugh Glass | ‘The Revenant’ Protagonist Was Even More Badass In Real Life

Discover the incredible true story of Hugh Glass, the frontiersman whose harrowing journey inspired The Revenant. This video delves into the remarkable details that make the movie even more compelling.

Bear Expert Rates 9 Bear Attacks In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Curious about how realistic the bear attack in The Revenant was? This video brings in a bear expert to analyze the scene and give their professional opinion. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of filmmaking and animal behavior.

Everything Wrong With The Revenant In 9 Minutes Or Less

Get ready for a hilarious and nitpicky analysis of The Revenant! CinemaSins takes a magnifying glass to the movie, pointing out all the little details and inconsistencies that make it so entertaining.

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