Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fact-based survival drama encourages perseverance; peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lost on a Mountain in Maine
What's the Story?
In 1939 Maine, 12-year-old Donn Fendler (Luke David Blumm) is on a hike with his twin brother and a guide. When a lightning storm strikes, Donn gets separated from the others and becomes LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE. While searchers comb the area, Donn relies on the lessons he's learned—and his own resilience—to survive for more than a week.
Is It Any Good?
This fact-based drama successfully communicates the fact that Donn's survival isn't a miracle; rather, it's the result of his own grit, gumption, and perseverance. That said, Lost on a Mountain in Maine doesn't quite hit the emotional heights that it likely did in book form. Trying to depict Donn's incredible story of surviving in the wilderness alone for nine days without scaring the target tween audience would be a challenge for anyone, and while director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger does just that, the result makes the gripping circumstances feel a bit watered down.
Interspersing footage of interviews with the real-life Donn (who died in 2016), his brother, his mother, and family friends that were filmed decades after the main action takes place contributes to the the story's credibility but could be an obstacle to young viewers' connecting fully with the story of a kid—just like them—who survives against all odds. But, still, the ultimate takeaway is that courage is contagious, and young viewers may feel a change in their own thinking, going from "could I make it?" to "I could make it!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to have grit and why it's important. How does Donn demonstrate grit in Lost on a Mountain in Maine?
What are the three rules of what to do if you get lost or separated from others in the wild? Why are they likely to help you find rescue? Do you think you could survive if you were in the same situation? Is there anything Donn did that you might have done differently?
Why do you think true stories of braving the elements or disasters are interesting to audiences? Is there something we can learn from them?
Do you consider Donn a role model? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : January 7, 2025
- Cast : Paul Sparks , Caitlin FitzGerald , Luke David Blumm
- Director : Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements, peril, language and some injury images.
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate