Have you seen one of Netflix’s latest proposals, ‘Lost on the Mountain’? It is a movie based on the true story of Don Fendler, who, at just 12 years old, got lost in the mountains of Baxter State Park in Maine, USA. After 9 days lost, without water, food, or clothes, he managed to make it out alive on his own. The film offered by the streaming platform, starring Luke David Blumm, Paul Sparks, and Caitlin Fitzgerald, presents the story faithfully to the original. It recounts what Fendler’s life was like after returning from the mountains.
He also wrote a book where he shared his experience, ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine,’ and became a motivational speaker. Later he joined the United States Army and participated in World War II, Germany, Vietnam, and Korea. Finally, in 2016, when he was 90 years old, he passed away after experiencing one of the most encouraging life-stories ever.
Lost on a Mountain in Maine
In 1939, a 12-year-old boy named Donn Fendler was hiking in the mountains of Mount Katahdin in Maine, United States, when after a storm, he became separated from his companions and got lost. Following his disappearance, a rescue mission was launched throughout Baxter State Park and Millinocket, becoming the event that dominated all news broadcasts and made headlines everywhere. The boy’s father and uncles led the search for 9 long days, while his mother was waiting at a girls’ scout camp in Tongue Pond, Camp Natarswi.
Hopes were fading when little Donn emerged on his own from the woods, finding a cabin in Lunkoos, Grindstone, after walking 80km without water, food, or clothing. He had lost 6 kilos and was malnourished, but he managed to put an end to the terrible nightmare on his own. The family took care of him until his parents arrived and the long-awaited reunion could take place.
The story told by Netflix
Starring Luke David Blumm as Donn Fendler, and Paul Sparks and Caitlin Fitzgerald as the boy’s parents, the streaming platform Netflix released the film “Lost in the Mountain” on July 13, 2025. According to websites like Sensacine, the film manages to convey the anguish experienced by the parents during the search for the child, in addition to being praised for its careful photography and the performances of the cast. The performances of Blumm and Sparks are particularly highlighted.
What other experiences did Donn Fendler live through?
After his unpleasant yet miraculous adventure, Fendler wrote the book Lost on a Mountain in Maine, where he detailed his experience and how he managed to survive it. He then pursued a career in coaching, becoming a motivational speaker, using his experience to inspire others. Later, he joined the United States Army and participated in World War II. He also participated in the wars in Germany, Vietnam, and Korea. Finally, in 2016, at the age of 90 and having lived life to the fullest, he passed away, leaving a legacy of overcoming challenges to the world.
Movies based on true events
This is not the first true story to be brought to the big screen, whether by major productions or streaming platforms. There are many documentaries or films that narrate incredible stories like this one, although many do not have the luck that Donn Fendler’s disappearance had in the end. It is important that these cinematic adaptations treat the stories and events with respect, both for the family members and for the protagonist, who in many cases is also a victim. Not everything is acceptable in order to gain views; instead, production companies must employ empathy and respect to bring these stories to screens with the utmost professionalism possible.