Christmas in the Wilds (2021) Movie Script

Happy Thanksgiving!

Woo hoo!

Faster!

Whoooo!

♪ Hark! The herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild ♪

♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

♪ Joyful, all ye nations rise ♪

♪ Join the triumph

of the skies ♪

♪ With th'angelic

host proclaim: ♪

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

♪ Hark! The herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King! ♪

Jess, where's the fire?

Too quick for you?

No.

But I am in no rush

to get back to

Thanksgiving craziness.

Yeah, I'll second that.

I have everything that I'm

thankful for right here.

I did not peg you for

an expert snowmobiler?

Wait till you see me on skis.

And snowshoes.

And I can build a

pretty mean snowman.

How did I not know

that about you?

You know, a true lady always

preserves an air of mystery.

Too late for that.

I already know how

amazing you are.

Come on.

We're sticking to

trails this time!

Oh come on, Buck Thompson.

Take off your Ranger

hat for a minute.

You're off duty!

It's spectacular, right?

Definitely.

I love this.

When the temperature drops,

the stalactites aggregate and

beautiful crystal formation.

I'll be studying the physical

underlying structure

of this land.

Geology rocks!

Geology puns?

We've been having a

lot of fun, Jess,

these last few months but...

That was rock bottom.

Although getting to know you has

made me want to be boulder.

Oh! I'm impressed with that one.

Thank you.

It really is beautiful.

Every time I take a deep

breath, and my lungs freeze,

I respect how dangerous

it is out here.

Well, we should

probably get back.

Your Mom is never

going to warm up to me

if we're late for Thanksgiving.

Mom is going to warm up to you.

Store-bought apple

pie notwithstanding.

Everyone knows it's pumpkin

pie at Thanksgiving.

I don't!

I don't know these things!

Are your big city Thanksgivings

too posh for pies?

No! No, it's not...

My family is just a

little less traditional.

Mom's just been hard to connect

to ever since Dad died.

She's even more protective

of her traditions.

Well,

you're still really lucky to

have such a tight-knit family.

I'm just not really

sure how I fit in.

You're doing pretty good so far.

- Really?

- Uh huh.

Once they get to

know you like I do,

they're going to love you.

Do you want to maybe

spend Christmas together?

We can go somewhere,

just the two of us.

Spend a few hours

by a fireplace?

Yeah.

My uncle's got a cabin

near Howler's Bay.

Maybe. We will see.

I mean, we don't have to

spend Christmas together

if you don't want to.

In my line of work,

I can't make plans.

Accidents, natural disasters,

they don't really

happen on schedule.

I just don't want

to let you down.

I'm crazy about you.

And I'm lucky to spend

any day with you,

Christmas or not.

Okay.

- Hey Mom!

Hey!

Oooh!

These are for you.

Oh honey, these are beautiful!

Thank you. Beautiful.

I thought maybe you could

put them on the table,

in memory of Dad.

Oh, that's really

thoughtful of you.

- Thanks.

- Of course.

Okay, let me have it.

What's the plan for this year?

Well you get to guess.

Okay, um... Small to large?

Nope.

Ah... Shiny?

No. Well, a little.

Antique?

No.

- Vintage?

- No.

Okay. I'll tell you.

In honor of my

Scottish heritage,

I thought we'd go

with plaid-chic.

I love it.

It's genius Mom.

It took me awhile to

paint all of these, but...

Hang on. You hand-painted these?

I did.

Of course you did.

I had nothing else to do.

Decorate.

- They look great.

- Thank you.

I'm really happy you're

here helping me with this.

Gosh, it's too bad

you have to work

the holiday shift today.

I know. I'm sorry.

It's just, it's my turn.

You know who's going to

eat everything in sight?

Oh yeah.

- Buck?

- Yes!

Can you just put a

plate aside for me?

I will. Oh! Good idea.

Okay. Oh my step ladder.

It already looks great.

It does!

Hey!

Aunt Janine says

dinner's up in ten.

Last one there is

a rotten eggnog!

Yeah, you'll smell like Pyrite!

What? It's a rock.

Smells like sulfur!

I like the joke!

You know what? I'm walking.

Then I'm walking too!

Well then you're going

to be a rotten eggnog!

I'd rather be with you.

We'll find some time for us.

Just you and me. I promise.

Maybe we could go for

a walk after dinner.

It's the Leonid meteor

shower tonight.

Should be pretty spectacular.

- It's a date.

- Okay!

♪ ♪

So that's what the Thompson

family sounds like.

♪ ♪

♪ Deck the

halls with balls of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la

Come on Jess, take it away!

Oh, uh...

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly! ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la!

♪ Don we now our gay apparel

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la!

Okay you guys.

Everybody sit down.

Janine, this looks incredible.

Oh, thank you. T'was nothing.

Um, she has been

preparing for weeks!

Everything on this

table has been grown,

gathered and hunted

by Aunt Janine.

Really?

What can I say?

My family deserves the best.

Well, every dish smells amazing!

Thank you.

We did really well this

summer with the gardens.

Finally we were

able to pick more

than the wildlife could eat.

What does your family like

to make for Thanksgiving?

Nothing nearly as

impressive as this.

If you think this is impressive,

wait to see what she

does at Christmas.

Surely Jessica's parents will

want to see her at Christmas.

Well, actually,

my family has never

been big on celebrating

"commercial holidays".

The town is honoring my Dad

with a Christmas Eve

service this year.

Candlelight

Christmas Eve service.

I just want to say

how special it is to have

my family here with me.

It's another Thanksgiving

without Walter,

but as I look into each of your

eyes, and of course Roma,

I can really feel that

he's here with us.

Sorry, Mom.

No worries. Is everything okay?

It's Avalon County.

It's an emergency.

Wayne Rangers to Avalon.

Buck?

If you can hear me...

This is Buck Thompson. Go ahead.

It's Meg

Rogers up in Avalon Pass.

Meg? Long time.

What's going on?

Level two avalanche.

I've got skiers trapped

somewhere out there.

Current weather?

Visibility is low.

Storm is pressing in.

My team is stretched thin.

We could really

use your expertise.

I'm on my way. Over.

Avalon has had a level two.

I'm sorry but, I have to go.

What's a level two?

It's an avalanche.

I'll call Roma. Get her ready.

Not yet.

Let me assess on the ground

what rescue efforts they need

and if they need air support.

Meg and I have worked

together before.

We've got a shorthand.

I'm going to need you to

cover for me while I'm away.

Meg.

Who's Meg?

Let me pack you some food.

No time. Duty calls.

Honey, you need

to eat something!

You're the one who taught me

to live a life in

service of others.

Everything's good.

Excuse me.

This is Buck Thompson.

I need my plane ready to

go down at the hangar.

Thank you.

Do you think there will

be more avalanches?

It's always a possibility.

You'll be safe in your

plane, though, right?

This isn't my first avalanche.

I know.

On a scale of one to ten,

how dangerous is it?

I don't know.

Best-case scenario, I could

be back in a few hours.

Worst-case?

There's never been a

worst-case scenario

that I haven't been about

to get myself out of.

And I don't intend to.

But...

Jess, Rescue Services

is the life I've chosen.

You're my girlfriend.

I need you to understand.

I have to go.

Wait!

Take this.

A geologist with a lucky rock.

What's it mean?

It's a meteorite.

That little hunk of rock

is what started my

fascination with geology.

And yes, it's my lucky rock.

Be safe.

Come back to me.

I will.

So where was I?

Um... Cheers.

To us ladies, to lost

loves and realities.

Now dig in. Please.

Don't worry.

Buck is an excellent pilot.

With years of experience

with search and rescue

under his belt.

I know.

It's just hard to

turn the worry off.

You learn how to live with it.

Pass the potatoes, please.

Sure.

And don't worry about Buck.

If he's with Meg,

he has absolutely

nothing to worry about.

Who is Meg?

Did they serve together?

No, Meg and Roma served

together in Afghanistan.

And Buck and Meg were co-pilots

in the Avalon Pass.

Carrots?

Co-pilots?

Yeah.

Beets?

Sure.

The Buck Thompson!

Ted.

I didn't realize Meg was

calling in the big guns.

It's good to see you.

Likewise, brother.

I only wish it was under

better circumstances.

Prep the dogs and stand by.

Fueled up and ready to go.

That's why you're the best.

The skiers are experienced.

They have a transceiver,

but we haven't located

the signal yet.

If they've been

pushed off the trail

they could be

anywhere down here.

Hopefully nowhere

near that cliff.

With the amount of

snowfall and debris...

They could be buried deep.

Exactly.

I'll need you to fly

as low as you can.

I'll be your eyes

and ears out there.

Let's go!

Do you want me to

start hanging these?

Yes, please.

And this is our Christmas

Countdown Cookie Counter!

Christmas can officially begin.

Is that like an advent calendar?

Sort of.

But you roll the days

back until Christmas

and have a cookie for each day.

Because? Cookies!

Well, I think that's

a really cute tradition.

This is such a beautiful tree.

Smells so fresh, like you just

took it out of the forest!

Ah! Never from the forest.

From Dana at the tree farm.

You know what could be good?

If you talked with Aunt

Janine about working

the Thompson Tree Detail.

Yeah, sure! I would love to.

But what is the

Thompson Tree Detail?

It's an old forest

ranger tradition.

She heads it up.

I think you'd like it.

Yeah, I'd love to.

Steady Ted?

Come in Steady Teddy.

Nobody calls me

that anymore, Buck.

Well they should.

You earned it.

Thanks for guiding us

through the peaks, buddy.

Hey man, it's awesome to

have you back on the team.

We should catch up later.

No, I better get back.

Not tonight, you're not.

You've just completed a

high-stress search and rescue.

You need to take a break.

Okay okay.

I guess I'm going to see

you at the mess hall.

Over and out.

Copy that.

Hey Buck.

Would you consider

staying longer?

I can't, really.

I'm in for a rough winter.

They're forecasting

record snowfall.

And I'm seriously shorthanded.

We need avalanche control

and we need to start

blasting it now.

And quite frankly, there's

no one east of the Rockies

that has your skills.

Please.

Please please.

Fine, I'll stay for a bit.

Good.

♪

Hey, can you give me a minute?

I'm just going to call home and

let them know I'm staying.

Okay.

I'll get you some punch.

Buck!

Jess! Hey!

Hey? Buck?

Hey, can you hear me?

Jess?

Jess. The reception's bad.

If you can hear me,

the rescue went well.

The skiers are safe.

But I'm not going to be

flying home tonight.

You're flying home tonight?

That's great!

No! I'm staying.

For a few days actually.

A few days?

Meg needs help with

the avalanche control.

All this early snow

is wreaking havoc.

Oh.

Okay. Well, ah...

You know what, we can,

we can decorate our Christmas

tree on the weekend.

I'm not really sure how long

the blasting is going to take.

Blasting?

Isn't that kind of dangerous?

Buck! Come on!

Friends are waiting!

Look, I don't want to

keep you from your work

Sorry, what?

Look Jess.

We're going to decorate

the tree next week,

or the week after.

I miss you.

Me too.

I know. Duty calls.

Look, I'm really

sorry about this.

I didn't...

Jess?

Hello?

Buck?

There he is.

The man of the hour

trying to hide.

Get in here.

Introducing your local hero.

Buck Thompson!

You all did great today.

To you!

Cheers!

- Hey!

- Hey.

Is Buck okay?

Did he find those skiers?

Yeah. Everyone is safe.

Here let me.

Thank you.

That's great.

Well, he will be starving

when he gets back,

so Aunt Janine has

his plate over there.

Oh, he's, um...

He's actually not going to be

home for a couple of days.

Meg needed him at Avalon.

It must be serious then.

Yeah. I'm sure.

Buddy, you just

saved two lives, man.

Don't look so down.

Is everything okay at home?

My girlfriend's disappointed

I'm staying on.

It's our first Thanksgiving.

What, you're not home to hang

some decorations together?

Rescue Services, man,

it's unpredictable.

It's hard to find

people that understand

the stress and demands.

Come on. Let's play!

Don't worry.

I'm going to let

you win this time.

Because I feel bad for you.

That's what he says every time.

Uh huh.

♪

♪ Come on darling ♪

♪ Tell me what's on your mind ♪

♪ Tell me if it's the same ♪

♪ As what's been

playing on mine ♪

♪

♪ I bet we could be ♪

♪ Everything that you dreamed ♪

♪ Everything that you believed ♪

♪ If we hold on tight ♪

♪ So I'm gonna to risk it all ♪

♪ I don't care if I fall ♪

♪ Cause I'd rather

nothing at all ♪

♪ Than never knowing

if it's love ♪

Good morning, Rangers!

It's beginning to look

a lot like Christmas.

Only twenty-five

days left to go!

Soon.

Okay now!

Right.

A huge amount of early

snow plus warm weather

gives us a weak layer

in the snow blanket.

Yeah.

Weak snow pack on the

steep eastern slopes,

it's a double whammy.

We use digital

detonators now though,

so it's more controlled.

And a lot safer.

Uh huh.

Let's plan out the charges.

All right. So I'm thinking we

start here, then we go...

Yeah. And then we'll

just wipe them...

Exactly.

Okay.

So then Josh and I

have to go to his stepmom's

for a second Christmas

dinner on the 25th.

And then we have to go to my

Dad's for brunch on the 26th.

Hey. Are you even listening

to my holiday crabbiness?

Yeah. It sounds

like a lot of food.

Maybe you just need to remind

Buck what he's missing.

Hey! Why don't you take a

pic with this little gem?

What did you do

to her this time?

I just replaced a pump.

Still can't seem to

get her to go, though.

I haven't looked at her yet.

Yeah, you give it a go.

You know, Buck, I ah...

I heard you been

having some trouble.

After you came home.

Because of the dogs.

It's tough to get

Afghanistan out of my head.

I'm still jolted

awake some nights.

Cold sweats.

Yeah, man, me too.

Me too.

You know, I never told anyone

what I see in my nightmares.

Not even my own wife.

She already has a

pretty good idea.

Listen, I started to

talk with somebody.

It helps.

It's still there but, less.

I'll shoot you the number?

Yeah.

Yeah, less would be good, man.

So, what do you think?

What did you do to her?

Let's see you work

your magic, Bucko.

This is Buck Thompson.

I'm up in snow country

and I can't say

when I'll get back to my phone.

But leave a message.

Okay! Here we go!

Any info on the guy's injuries?

Upper body.

Maybe a broken collar bone.

It's going to be

difficult to transport.

Search and rescue have

got it cleared up ahead.

♪ Fa la la ♪

♪ It won't be long now ♪

♪ Till I'm beside you again ♪

♪ It won't be long now ♪

♪ I still remember ♪

♪ That smile upon your face ♪

♪ I still remember ♪

♪ I hear the bells

they're ringing ♪

♪ I hear the choir singing ♪

♪ Stars they guide the way ♪

♪ I see the snow is falling ♪

♪ I hear my heart is calling ♪

♪ Calling out your name ♪

Does Wayne Forest

need you that badly?

Meg, I agreed to a few days.

It's been a few weeks.

And I am so grateful.

But if you ever need

a change of pace,

maybe consider transferring

up here for a season.

That's an enticing offer, but...

Ah, you can't blame

me for asking.

Look, we make a good team.

We're good together.

Yeah, we are.

But I've got to get home.

I've got to make

sure I've got time

to fuel up and beat this storm.

You're not fueled up?

The storm last night

blocked all access

to the road on the north side.

Cars and fuel aren't

getting in or out.

I'm sorry Buck.

Looks like you're going to be

grounded here a few more days.

Hey Meg. Are you coming?

Yeah.

Hey you!

Hey...

I was just going to

call you and tell you that I...

Jess...

There was a storm last night.

The northern road

to Avalon is blocked.

Oh.

Well, if it's that bad,

it sounds like your

plane is grounded too.

The problem is the fuel trucks.

They can't get through

so I can't start back

until they clear out.

Okay. No worries. I'll just...

See you when I see you.

Okay.

Did you hear me when I

said I can't make it?

I did. I heard you. I just...

I'm not surprised.

I know the weather's

bad, and your work...

It's just the

realities of our life together.

And I am making peace with that.

New Year's, then?

So you're completely snowed in?

Not completely.

The northern road is blocked,

the other roads are bad,

but they're plowing them now.

If I had my truck, I'd

be there in a heartbeat.

Well, you may not have

a vehicle, but I do.

Oh yeah?

I'm coming to you.

Jess! Jess, that's nuts.

The weather's horrible,

the roads are bad.

There's black ice.

Accidents happen fast and

this temperature, it's brutal.

I can handle winter.

Snow shovel, bag of sand,

warming candle, blankets.

I got it covered!

How about I grab a snowmobile?

I could meet you half way.

What do you say?

Howler's Bay?

Howler's Bay! That's right

by your uncle's cabin!

That's the one.

I'll send you the coordinates.

Okay, this is perfect.

Although we don't really

have a very good history

with cabins, do we?

Yeah.

It's a good thing bears are

hibernating this time of year.

Although the weather can be

just as dangerous as the bears.

Well, I'll get a

good night's sleep

and leave first thing

in the morning.

Kiss you soon.

And Jess...

Be careful.

I will.

♪ ♪

♪

♪ O come, all ye faithful, ♪

♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪

♪ O come ye, O come ye... ♪

Meg, are you

sure you want to come?

Look, no one knows these

backwoods like I do.

Plus my shortcuts will

get you to Howler's Bay

in half the time.

It's Christmas Eve.

You should be at home.

I don't have anyone

waiting for me.

Let me help.

I'm the reason that you've

been here for so long.

Plus it'll be good to

just ride for fun,

like we used to.

Thank you.

Don't expect me

to go easy on you.

It's like that, is it?

Try to keep up!

Merry Christmas

Eve Day, Rangers!

I hope your day is as

merry and sugary sweet

as these cookies!

Come and get em!

Hi. Oh!

Hi!

- Let me help you.

- Thanks.

Thank you so much for

offering to dog sit.

No problem! It'll be fine.

No thank you.

How do I get him to stop

staring at me like that?

Oh. That's just how

he shows affection.

He likes you.

Oh.

Cute. Um...

Hi!

Here's a nice pat for ya.

Yeah, I'll be honest.

I'm more of a cat person.

Because we, you know,

mutually respect

each other's independence.

But family helps

one another out. So.

You consider me a

part of your family?

Look, ah...

I know loving someone who's

devoted their entire life

to the service isn't easy.

I'm just not really sure he

even wants a relationship.

He struggles to commit

to the tiniest things.

Try not to blame him for that.

It's the job.

I know.

See? You're more of a

Thompson than you realize.

This is for you.

A compass?

It was my Dad's.

It's for good luck.

On a long trip.

Oh, I don't want to take

something so personal.

Please, I want you to have it.

Just bring it, and Buck

back to us for Christmas.

I will.

And I'll make sure we get back

for Walter's

candlelight service.

Okay. You be a good boy

for Roma. Okay. Okay?

- Thank you.

- Uh huh.

You kind of smell.

We're going to take a shortcut.

But we want to go south!

Just trust me!

Make sure you stay on my tracks.

Hey!

How's the Thompson Tree

Detail this morning?

Any suspicious behavior?

Nothing suspicious.

Only delicious.

Jessica dropped these

off this morning

on her way to go meet Buck.

Oh! She really went to meet him.

Must be real feelings there.

She also promised

to have him back

for Uncle Walt's

candle light service.

Cookie?

To have the metabolism of a

twenty-seven year old again.

We've got to stay alert for

last-minute shoppers today.

Definitely.

It's still pretty early, though,

if you want your morning coffee.

I'm good to start watch, thanks.

Aunt Janine.

Is there a reason you

didn't you let Jess

help with the Detail?

And I quote "we have

it covered this year".

It's a Thompson family

tradition, that's all.

She makes Buck happy.

I know you see that.

Roma and I see that.

She might be part of

your family one day.

When Walt left, he

entrusted the Detail to me.

He felt it was important

that people respect

the trees in our state forest.

Now I'm in charge of

protecting those trees.

Okay.

And by not inviting her

to the family tradition

you're just trying to

protect the forest, right?

Not Buck?

Hey!

Too many rocks.

It's too dangerous.

Let's head back to the trail.

Come on, we've driven

through much worse before.

Let's keep going.

We're almost at the pass

and then we're not much

farther from there.

I've seen too much.

Let's go!

Come on.

Okay.

Okay! Enough with the staring.

You like me. I get that.

That's great, but enough.

At ease, boy!

Eyes front!

Fine.

Don't listen to my commands.

I don't care.

Hey! I was using that.

No respect for rank!

Are you okay?

Okay. Let's get you up.

I should have seen that log!

It's okay. It's not your fault.

But that log came

out of nowhere.

Well. At least we're

close to the cabin.

What about your shoulder?

You're not wincing for nothing.

You don't miss a thing.

Nope.

Do me a favor?

Let me tell Ted

about his machine.

Ah. But it would be so much

more fun if I could tell him.

Meg!

This old thing. He won't care.

His wife's getting him

a new one for Christmas.

Buck!

Buck, it's okay.

You're safe.

Come back to me.

Okay.

I think it's time to go home.

Okay. We'll get you there.

Let's just take a little

break first, okay?

I'll make us a fire.

We can have some coffee.

And then we'll keep going.

Sounds good.

What about that storm?

It's not supposed to hit

until later tonight.

Long after we're both back home.

Come on.

No!

Argh!

Oh!

Good morning.

My vehicle got stuck

in all this snow.

Do you think you

could help me out?

My truck won't be ready

for a couple of hours.

I'm getting it ready for the

Christmas parade in town.

Sorry, I don't have another

vehicle to offer you.

You have some beautiful dogs.

Yup. The best.

Fast as anything.

Yeah, I can see that.

Every winter, I spend a few

weeks with my aunt and uncle

up in Alaska.

They have about fifty dogs.

They train them.

- Fifty?

- Yeah.

It's the best way to travel.

Yup. It sure is.

Your best trail is over here.

You just have to

watch for a few turns.

I am here.

You want to head all

the way down here

to where the path opens.

Now to cross the pass

and there's the cabin.

Just over the river.

So it's not too far?

Not too far at all.

Good for the pups.

They need a good run.

Thank you for

trusting me with them.

I'll have them back

before the storm sets in.

You're welcome.

Hike!

I just don't know

if Jessica has the

grit she'll need

to be in a relationship

with Buck.

You saw how upset she was when

he had to leave at Thanksgiving?

Seems more like love to me.

I don't understand

not being with your

family over the holidays.

I mean, does she come

from a solid family?

Yes.

They just celebrate

differently, is all.

Buck says she speaks to

her Mom, Dad and brother

almost every day.

They're artists.

They travel around a lot.

Just a little less

traditional than us, is all.

Well it's fine that not

every family is the same,

as long as she's a

good fit with ours.

Aunt Janine, I know this

time of year is hard for you

and you're missing Uncle Walt.

But remember how he'd always

make room at the table

for others?

If he hadn't done that for

me, I wouldn't be here.

- Oh! Wait a minute.

I've got one!

Wait a minute.

Two! Greedy grinches!

Amara!

I'm on it.

Whoa!

Okay guys.

Good job, guys. Good job.

Stop right there!

Back away from the tree!

Do you have a permit

to cut this tree down?

What's a permit?

Come with me.

Who sent you?

No one.

Stealing trees from the

Wayne National Forest

to sell at Christmas

is not allowed.

Are we in trouble?

Oh, I'd say so.

Please, ma'am, you

can't tell our Mom.

I can. And I will.

They're just kids.

Then I think you're the

perfect age to learn about

the consequences

of your actions.

Don't you think?

Ah, good job guys.

Good job.

I got to figure out where I am.

Okay...

We're here.

We're close.

We have to be close.

Okay, guys.

Don't even think about

going anywhere this time.

How often are you still

having PTSD episodes?

Not as much anymore.

Not since I met Jess.

I'm seeing someone about it.

Sleeping better too.

What about Roma?

What about her?

How has she transitioned

back to civilian life?

Did she ever remarry?

Re-what?

Oh. Sorry. I...

Meg. Spit it out.

I don't think it was official.

It was just a private

ceremony at the base.

I thought you knew.

Roma is definitely not married.

Well no.

He went missing on his tour.

He never made it back home.

She never said anything.

We've all been trained to

set our emotions aside.

That doesn't make it any easier.

I know what it's like

to love somebody

and to not have

them in your life.

Meg, I...

Would you reconsider moving

back to Avalon Pass?

I think there's more for you in

the mountains than you think.

Meg, I...

Merry Christmas Buck!

I hope I'm not

interrupting anything?

Jess!

What are you doing here?

Why aren't you in your car?

Well, my car conked out.

So I left it with a mechanic.

Really nice guy.

His name is Bob.

I borrowed his dog

sled so I could

go on a romantic Christmas

getaway with my boyfriend.

Hey, I'm Meg.

What brings you to

these snowy parts, Meg?

I was... I was just

trying to show Buck

a shortcut through

the backwoods.

And then... It's actually

quite a funny story.

We were racing

through the forest

and we had a bit of an accident.

And then... It was pretty

thrilling, though, wasn't it.

Anyway, then we had to double

on my snowmobile to get...

Jess! Jess!

What?

Jess.

Jess, where are you going?

Home.

I thought your car

needed repairs.

Yeah, it does!

From the Santa parade

than watch you have lunch

all cozy with Meg.

Nothing is going on!

I was coming to see you.

Meg was just helping

me get there faster.

And then I hit this log...

Jess, please.

We haven't seen

each other in weeks!

And I missed you.

I didn't want things

to start off this way.

Me neither.

We're off to a bumpy start, but,

the cabin, it's going

to be nice. Okay?

You know, all I wanted was just

to spend a few hours with you.

No work, no rocks, no agenda.

No other people. You know?

I do.

So when we get to the cabin,

Meg is going to leave and

it's just going to

be just you and me.

Meg is coming to the cabin?

Your head is full

of jingle bells

if you think that's happening.

Buck!

Meg?

Here! Bring your pack!

What's going on?

I was taking him down to

get a drink by the river.

And the poor guy stepped

right into that fox trap.

Meg, antiseptic, gauze, water.

They're in the bag.

Jessica, hold him by

the shoulders. Steady.

So he can't bite himself or us.

I've got him.

It's okay. I got him.

- I'll be right by.

- Okay.

I shouldn't have

taken him that way.

I shouldn't have taken

him to the river.

I could've made a few trips

and just brought him water.

I could of brought all

four of them water.

I'm so sorry.

It's not on you.

It's not your fault.

The trap is old.

It looks like it's been

there for a long time.

His wounds aren't that deep.

It's going to be okay.

Meg. Listen.

I need you to know how

important Jess is to me.

I care about her a lot.

More than I've cared

about anyone before.

More than you care about me?

We make a great team.

We wouldn't have been

friends this long

if we weren't honest

with each other.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

I can see how you

feel about Jessica.

I saw the way that

you looked at her.

You should tell her.

She knows how I feel.

She drove through a blizzard

and rode a dog sled

to get to you.

You should tell her.

Okay.

Okay, seriously, this is a lot.

I already have

a best friend. So...

♪

♪ The winter comes

on way too fast ♪

♪ The fall just never

seems to last ♪

♪ But will you

love me the same ♪

♪ When the snow

meets window pane ♪

♪ Or will you leave me with

the red and orange leaves ♪

♪ I fear you'll break me

Christmas time ♪

♪ Will you finally

draw the line ♪

♪ Or will you stay

with me this year ♪

♪ I don't wanna shed a tear ♪

♪ When they sing their songs and

turn on all the lights ♪

♪ So wrap me up

like your gifts ♪

♪ Give me one last

Christmas kiss ♪

♪ Don't leave me

out in the cold ♪

♪ If you still love

me let me know ♪

♪ Or I'll wait

here in the snow ♪

Thanks, Charlie.

Are you sure you're going

to okay with these guys?

Thanks. I got this.

Why don't you just come

with us to the cabin?

We can all go back together.

I've got to get this little

guy some medical attention.

And then,

I'm going to have Santa Bob

make me a giant hot chocolate.

He actually makes

his own marshmallows.

Can you believe it?

Merry Christmas, Meg.

Merry Christmas, Jessica.

Be safe.

Hike!

Be safe!

You were pretty

amazing back there.

You're good at what you do.

Rescuing people while being

all handsome and brave.

Really?

Yeah.

Look, I'm really

sorry about all that.

She is really just

a good friend.

I can't help how 'handsome and

brave' I am to other people.

Oh, please.

We'd better get going.

I don't like the

look of the sky.

Looks like the storm's moving

in faster than we thought.

The cabin is just on the

other side of the pass.

We'll be fine.

Right.

In just a couple of hours

and we'll be curled

up by a fireplace.

Visibility is getting worse.

Temperature is dropping.

And we're losing daylight.

Three worst-case scenarios,

all actually happening...

Right now.

Did you hear that?

Are those what I think they are?

Wolf tracks.

Great.

Welcome to Howler's Bay.

Like this?

That's it!

And it you want,

you can eat some.

That's the fun part!

When you're finished you can

take it home for your tree.

We don't have a tree this year.

Mom said we can't afford it.

That's right.

We wanted to surprise her

with one for Christmas

to make her happy.

She's been sad?

That's thoughtful of you.

Hey, can you make me one?

I'll be right back.

Aunt Janine, they weren't

taking the tree to sell it.

Sounds like they're having

a hard time at home.

Well that's still no reason

to resort to petty crime.

Behavior like this would

never have been tolerated

when I was a Junior Ranger.

I know. We have to

protect the forest.

Oh I think their Mom's here.

Sorry, I got here

as soon as I could.

Not to worry.

They were stealing a tree?

Really?

I'm sorry.

My kids are good kids.

I just haven't been able

to keep them in line

and do everything

without James being here.

James is your husband?

Yeah. He's a petroleum engineer.

He's away on an oil

rig for six months.

I worry about him.

It's hard to celebrate

when he's gone.

If you were to come

to the bakery,

I'd be more than happy

to make this up to you

with some fresh cinnamon

rolls for Christmas?

Mom!

Hi sweetheart!

I'm sorry, Mom.

Are we in trouble?

We just wanted you

to have a tree.

Can we go home now?

Rachel, Marcus...

I'm afraid you can't

leave just yet.

I expect you to make this right.

Are we out of gas?

That's impossible.

The gauge says full.

I guess the gauge is broken.

Great.

Well...

How far is the cabin from here?

Just across the river.

Are you up for a hike?

Yeah. Let's do it.

There you go.

Go ahead.

So these decorations

need to find a new home.

On your tree.

The one you didn't cut down.

Thanks, Ms Thompson.

Can we go decorate it now?

Off you go.

Follow me.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

Thank you for making them happy.

You know, the Rangers

and I could always

use help in the forest.

Maybe your kids would like

to join the Junior Rangers?

They would love that.

Merry Christmas.

Go on!

Is that my Father's compass?

Yeah. Roma gave it to me.

For our trip.

She did?

She must like you.

Yeah, I like her too.

She's actually watching

Charlie for me.

Roma is dog sitting?

Wow. She must really like you.

Well, she kind of seemed

happy to have some company.

Although, she's more

of a cat person.

Roma to Charlie...

Roma to Charlie,

requesting permission to land.

There you go.

Of course I brought

a treat for you.

I am your Santa.

Just don't tell Jessica I'm

giving you treats, okay?

Otherwise she won't let

me dog sit you anymore.

Where is she?

We should be getting

ready by now.

Pretty quiet up there.

You're way too

quiet for Jessica.

No I'm not.

Yes you are.

You talk endlessly

when you're excited.

You laugh when you're nervous.

But you laugh when you try

not to laugh at your own joke

and you are quiet when

you're over thinking.

You know you don't know

everything about me,

Buck Thompson.

We've only been

dating a few months.

But I like everything

I've learned about you.

Especially your rock puns.

Well. I've missed you.

I realized all I wanted to

do was just be with you.

And you were up there with Meg,

rescuing people and

saving people's lives,

and making the world

a better place and...

That's just it, Jess.

You make the world so much

better than I ever could.

Just by being you.

Get back.

Yeah. I know...

Scary foxes.

Can we please just shake

this whole Meg thing off?

I can't control how she feels.

All I can control is how I feel.

And I really want to spend

Christmas with my girlfriend.

Better?

Much. Thank you.

I know how I feel

about you, too.

And the jumping helped.

A little.

I can kind of feel

my toes again.

Sort of.

We can cross through here.

The river's just over that hill.

Well, I read the map too and...

It's not going to

take much longer

if we stick to the safer route.

Okay.

You lead the way.

♪

You think Dad would like this?

How could he not?

Look how beautiful it is!

Yeah. He'd think it was perfect.

Well, you can come back next

year and decorate it again.

Plus everyone who comes

to the woods can see it.

It's beautiful!

Thank you, Amara.

Hello!

Hi Charlie! Merry Christmas Eve!

Hello to you too.

Hi.

So how're your first

dog adventures going?

Oh, I'd say we had

a really good time.

Didn't we? Yes we did.

Oh! Didn't think you were

much of a dog person.

I'd say I'm more of

a Charlie person.

You guys ready to go?

Yeah, I just need

to grab my coat.

And, of course, his squeaky toy.

Come on!

Hey Aunt Janine.

Roma and I are

getting ready to go.

Hey. Listen.

Have you heard from Buck?

I'd like my son here for

church on Christmas Eve.

Jessica promised she'd call

when she gets to the cabin.

They're just catching up.

Right. Well, okay.

She knows to drive

him back in time

for our family celebrations.

So if that doesn't earn

the girl some serious points

in your books, I

don't know what will.

Okay. So where on

earth are they?

I don't know.

But Buck wouldn't

deviate from the plan.

They must be close.

Right.

Well, I suppose if anyone could

make it through the wilds,

it's those two.

You know, singing

might help warm us up.

No chance.

It's okay.

It's okay. It's okay.

It's that sound.

The howling.

I know. It's haunting.

We're getting close.

I can hear the river.

It's going to be dangerous, but

it's the only way to get home.

Hey.

I know. We need to get home.

Thank you.

A guy could really

freeze up out here.

Don't even joke about frostbite.

Come on.

The river sounds

like it's running fast.

It sounds dangerous.

The river looks

higher this year.

Well...

Looks like we're spending

Christmas in the wilds.

We either cross the river

or we sleep outside.

We have no idea

how deep that is.

What will kill us first?

The freezing cold

river or the current?

Let's find a

better place to cross.

The water's shallower here.

Even in the middle.

It should only go up

to about mid-thigh.

It's narrower here so it will

be quicker to get across.

It's easy.

We're not going to find

a better way to cross.

The current only gets stronger

the further down we go.

I, I know.

I'm not going to let

anything happen to you.

Just think about that cabin

on the other side of that ridge.

A big warm fire that's

waiting for us.

You're making future plans now?

Jess, I need you to trust me.

We can do this. You and I.

Together.

Okay.

Wait wait! I don't

think I can do this!

Jess, you keep going.

Quick, but steady.

Buck! Buck!

Buck!

Come on! Come on!

We need to get your boots

and wet clothes off now!

Okay, I'm going to make a fire.

And call your Mom and Amara.

So, how do I look?

Very handsome and brave.

Festive.

Thank you.

Here. Let me take those.

Sit down.

Is the radio working this time?

Yeah. I radioed in

our position to Amara.

Your Mom was relieved

to hear we were okay.

Another hour, she would've

sent out the search party.

But, she did manage to save us

some of her homemade egg nog.

She's starting to like you.

Well, I am the beautiful,

courageous woman

who made it through the forest

and across that

river with her son.

Jess, Jess. Please.

I'm more likely to die of

blanket suffocation

than hypothermia at this point.

I promise, I'm good.

Just one more.

There.

You're looking better.

Blue lips weren't a

great look for you.

I'm going to remember

that for next time.

You know Buck, thank you

for getting us

across that river.

But I'd appreciate

it if you'd stop doing

such dangerous things.

I'm tired of having to save you!

- Oh really.

- Yeah!

Well, I think we saved

each other this time.

Come here.

Well, it looks like we get to

spend Christmas Eve together

after all.

I'm grateful.

Me too.

Hey Jess...

Ever since I got back

from Afghanistan,

I've been keeping the ones

I love at a distance.

Even you.

And I know that these last few

weeks have been difficult,

being separated, but if we

weren't away from each other,

I wouldn't have realized how

much I want that to change.

Forever.

I want you to have something.

My lucky rock.

It's just a stand in.

For now.

Until I can get you a

much more sparkly one.

Jessica Alaway.

I want to spend the rest

of my life with you.

Will you marry me?

Yes! Yes!

I love you, Jess.

I love you more.

Ah, that's not possible.

You do realize we have to

get home for Christmas

Eve dinner now.

Or Mom's going to kill us both.

Yeah, I know.

I can't believe I

have to do this again!

Admit it. You like it.

Wow! That is quite the outfit!

Very festive.

Yeah. It's keeping me warm.

I can see that.

Well, we have a

Christmas Eve to get to.

We cannot be late for service.

You're welcome for the rescue.

Rescue? That's not

what this was!

You just came in to

give me fashion advice.

Come on.

Thank you so much for

bringing him home in one piece.

I'm so glad to be here.

Me too.

Congratulations!

Thank you.

I'm proud of you.

A rock, though?

Yeah, it's a long story.

Maybe I'll tell

you another time.

Okay.

I know I didn't get you for

secret Santa this year,

but I did get you a gift.

What are you talking about?

I made some calls.

And we're going to find him.

Your missing soldier.

Thank you.

You know, it helps

to talk to somebody.

Take it from somebody who knows

how hard it is to

come home. Yeah.

Yeah.

Hello! A toast!

Yes!

Come gather around, kids.

Nothing formal. Nothing fancy.

I would just like to

make a toast to love...

And to family.

To Uncle Walt!

Cheers everybody.

Cheers.

Oops!

Buck!

Every year!

It's time to go!

- Oh goodness.

- It is!

You need a jacket.

I lost my in the river, Mom.

I'm just glad I didn't

lose you in that river.

Stand by.

Okay.

Dad's coat?

Yeah.

You need it now, honey.

This will keep you warm.

Oh my gosh! Look at this.

It fits you perfectly.

You look nice.

Thank you.

- Are you ready?

- Uh huh.

All right kids.

Jessica, after you.

Okay. Let's go.

Nice jacket.

♪ ♪

This is so beautiful.

♪

Dad always taught us,

especially at Christmas,

you should share the joy.

Well, that's easy for you guys.

You all have beautiful voices.

Um, I've heard your voice.

It's beautiful too.

♪

It's so beautiful.

It makes me think of Dad.

Me too, sweetheart.

We light these candles

to keep him safe.

♪

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

♪ All is calm All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon virgin

Mother and Child ♪

♪ Holy infant

so tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace

Merry Christmas!

Thank you.

These are adorable.

She does them every year.

Merry Christmas.

You know, this has been a

pretty great Christmas Eve.

You're the best present I

could have ever asked for.

You're mine too.

You know, I don't think

we could have planned

a better holiday if we tried.

Other than the blizzard,

extreme cold, and icy river.

The cabin was nice.

Yeah!

There's no meteor

shower tonight.

That's okay.

I think I've had enough of

the wonders of nature for now.

I am perfectly content

with a boring life

with my fiancé.

I think our life

together is going to be

anything but boring.

I think so too.

Christmas in the Wilds (2021) - full transcript