Drama based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who left his middle class existence to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Giving up his home, family, and all possessions bar the few he carries on his back, McCandless (Emile Hirsch) embarks on a journey through America. His ultimate goal is to reach the wilds of Alaska, to spend time with untamed nature, away from the obligations and relationships of the modern world. Penn proves himself to be a formidable directorial talent.