In this fast moving and engaging film, the plot begins with a blazing headline about the unheralded temperatures in America and Canada, as well as twelve huge fires engulfing six states of America. The Laughlin family becomes the focal point of the story with Peter Facinelli (Nurse Jackie) as Dave, along with Fiona Dourif (Tenent) as his wife, Sarah, who is eight months pregnant. Clay, whom Asher Angel (Shazam!) plays, is a high school athletic hopeful who is trying to juggle his future scholarship. It’s apparent the family is close, as Dave, Clay’s dad, playfully challenges him to a race to the truck, only to slow down and pretend to be injured. Clay then stops to check on him, only for Dave to dash off. When they do, they certainly know how to laugh. And they’ll need to.
Dave and Clay return to find out that Sarah received a hefty medical bill for George, who is portrayed by Lance Hendriksen (Aliens). With George’s numerous health complications, Medicare is insufficient to handle the soaring medical costs. Moreover, Dave’s elderly father misses his spouse, who happens to be Dave’s late mother. Smoke rings seem to be George’s new hobby ever since he started smoking again, and he doesn’t give a damn whether Dave and Sarah approve of it or not. When Sarah suggests that George has to put on his oxygen, he gets offended and calls her a disgraceful name which makes Dave angry. To make matters worse, a wildfire is raging and it is slowly advancing towards the Laughlin’s secluded home in the woods.
Clay questions whether the family will have to pack their bags and shift camp when they hear about the fire around Wicker Canyon, which is in the proximity of their household. George is ready to sit back when he is instructed to grab his most treasured photographs by the news but claims he won’t bother picking them up when evacuations are suggested.
The tension escalates when Dave, after going to get supplies in his truck, tries to go home to his family but is faced with a blockade. His answer? To drive through the blockade in order to try and get closer to his other family members. When Sarah notices that smoke is starting to engulf her, she contacts 911 and gets some comfort from Kayla, the overworked 911 dispatcher that is overloaded with frantic callers. Dave gets to his family, but is met with the shocking news that George does not intend to leave. Finally, Sarah is able to persuade George when she offers him a cigarette and tells him to make himself useful.
A few of the characters face some calamities which, in turn, causes a neighbor of the Laughlin’s to pass away. But the struggles are far from over as they also battle with a sprained leg of a family member and the expanding fires. Their last ray of hope is to reach a boat located at the edge of a lake which would help them escape the wildfire that has engulfed the wooded area.
There’s a lot to reflect upon after watching this film. The strong emphasis on family is a notable motif in the film. And how the family perceives life after death. It also depicts that sometimes we are presented with very hard situations in life, but it is important to have faith and keep pushing forward until life changes for the better.
The film does have a lot of strong language in it, but the Lord’s name is never used in a disrespectful manner. Because it focuses on the value of family, we are placing this movie under the 18+ classification. Families need to note the frequent use of language while focusing on the family theme.
For those over eighteen, this film is filled with wildfires and suspense and makes for an interesting watch.
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