Released in 2007, ‘Into The Wild’ stunned audiences and critics alike with its powerful message of adventure. Based on John Krakauer’s non-fiction book about Chris McCandless, who left his life behind to travel round the United States, the film starred Emile Hirsch and was directed by Sean Penn. The film’s main focus was McCandless’ journey into the Alaskan wilderness, in 1992, where he attempted to live off the land.
Almost four months after setting off into the wild terrain of Alaska, McCandless’ body was found by hunters in a converted bus on the eastern bank of the Sushana River. The cause of death was officially ruled to be starvation, although the exact circumstances remain unclear. In one of the film’s most distressing moments, McCandless (played by Hirsch) discovers he’s eaten a poisonous plant that if left untreated will lead to starvation and death.
