There's something profoundly captivating about stories of hermits, those who choose or are forced into a life of solitude. These films delve into the psyche of individuals who step away from society, exploring themes of isolation, introspection, and the human need for connection. Whether they're seeking peace, escaping the world, or simply living out their unique existence, these characters offer a window into the soul's quieter corners. Here's a curated list of 10 films that beautifully capture the essence of hermit life, each with its own twist on the theme.
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Description: While not a traditional hermit tale, the film's setting in the African wilderness and the isolation of the characters from civilization make it a fitting addition.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Tsavo maneaters, and Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas had to deal with real lions on set.
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The Edge (1997)
Description: After their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, a billionaire and his companions must survive, showcasing the hermit-like existence one must adopt in such extreme conditions.
Fact: The film features a real bear, not CGI, which adds to the authenticity of the survival scenario.
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Cast Away (2000)
Description: Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive, becomes a modern-day Robinson Crusoe after a plane crash strands him on a deserted island, exploring themes of isolation and survival.
Fact: Tom Hanks lost significant weight for the role, and the volleyball Wilson became an iconic symbol of companionship in solitude.
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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Description: Walter Mitty, a daydreamer, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, leading him to remote places and a life of solitude, reflecting the hermit's journey of self-discovery.
Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by James Thurber, and Ben Stiller, who directed and starred in the movie, traveled to Iceland for some of the most stunning scenes.
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Into the Wild (2007)
Description: This film follows the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons his possessions and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. It's a poignant exploration of the desire to escape societal norms and find oneself in nature.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual bus where McCandless lived, and Sean Penn, the director, spent time in the same bus to understand the setting better.
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The Way Back (2010)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a group of prisoners escaping from a Siberian gulag, with one character choosing to live as a hermit in the wilderness after their escape.
Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, Morocco, and India to capture the vast landscapes the characters traverse.
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The Grey (2011)
Description: After a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, survivors must face the elements and their own mortality, embodying the hermit's struggle against nature.
Fact: The film's ending was left ambiguous to reflect the harsh reality of survival in such conditions.
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The Revenant (2015)
Description: Hugh Glass, a frontiersman, is left for dead after a bear mauling. His journey back to civilization is a testament to human endurance and the will to survive in the harshest of conditions, embodying the spirit of a hermit.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence to capture the physical and emotional journey of the character, and Leonardo DiCaprio ate raw bison liver for authenticity.
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The Mountain Between Us (2017)
Description: After a plane crash, two strangers must survive in the harsh wilderness, highlighting the hermit-like existence they must endure to survive.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, Canada, to capture the rugged beauty of the mountains.
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The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
Description: Though not a hermit in the traditional sense, Forrest Tucker's character lives a life on the run, often in solitude, reflecting the hermit's desire for freedom from societal constraints.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of a career criminal, and Robert Redford announced this would be his last film role.
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