The Edge (1997)
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A billionaire and a photographer must survive the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash while battling a predatory bear and their own growing mistrust.
The story
Billionaire Charles Morse, photographer Robert "Bob" Green, and Bob's assistant Stephen arrive at a remote Alaskan resort with Charles's wife Mickey and a team of photographers. During a surprise birthday party, gifts are exchanged. While on a photo shoot, Charles observes Bob and Mickey flirting. Short on time, Bob seeks out a local hunter, but their plane strikes a flock of birds and crashes into a lake, killing the pilot. The three men escape the sinking plane and reach the shore. They must navigate the wilderness, facing the elements and a predatory Kodiak bear that begins to hunt them.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Billionaire Charles Morse, photographer Robert "Bob" Green, and Bob's assistant Stephen arrive at a remote Alaskan resort with Charles's wife Mickey and a team of photographers. After a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness kills the pilot, the three men are left to survive. They are pursued by a large Kodiak bear. During the ordeal, Stephen is attacked and devoured by the bear after being wounded by his own spear. Tensions rise between Charles and Bob, as Charles suspects Bob of wanting to kill him for Mickey. After luring the bear into a trap and killing it, the men find a cabin with supplies. Charles discovers a receipt confirming Mickey's infidelity with Bob. Bob reveals his intent to murder Charles, but after falling into a pit trap and being injured, he is rescued by Charles. Bob apologizes, stating Mickey was unaware of his murderous intent. As a rescue helicopter approaches, Bob dies from his wounds. Charles returns to the lodge and reveals his knowledge of Mickey's betrayal by handing her Bob's watch. When questioned by the press, Charles claims his companions died saving his life.
- First release year
- 1997
- Runtime (minutes)
- 117
- Production countries
- United States; Canada
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Lee Tamahori
- Writers
- David Mamet · writer
- Cast and characters
- Anthony Hopkins · Charles Morse; Alec Baldwin · Robert "Bob" Green; Elle Macpherson · Mickey; Harold Perrineau · Stephen
- Genres
- survival thriller; drama
- Themes
- Survival; Betrayal; Trust; Greed
- Tone and mood
- Tense; Survivalist; Suspenseful
- Premise and plot tags
- Survival; Aviation Accident; Bear Attack; Buddy Drama
- Source material / true-story basis
- Bookworm
- Reception
- The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics and grossed $43.3 million worldwide against a $30 million budget.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 62% · review count: 50
- Production trivia
- Bart the Bear, the Kodiak bear in the film, was known for appearances in several Hollywood films.; The film was shot in Alberta, Canada, in freezing conditions.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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