In The Mountain, the feature directorial debut from Rachel House, three young misfits set out on an emotional and physical quest to climb the sacred Taranaki Maunga, hoping to find something far greater than adventure along the way
From Executive Producer Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), the New Zealand coming-of-age drama stars Elizabeth Atkinson, Reuben Francis, and Terence Daniel.
The independent film screened at the Sydney Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival and made its U.S. premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The Mountain is now set for its U.S. theatrical release on April 24, 2026.
The film follows Sam, a fearless young girl raised outside her Māori culture, who is determined to fulfil her mission to connect with her mountain in the hope that it can heal her from the cancer she battles.
Along the way, she meets some misfits and new kids in town – Mallory, hoping to find friends, any friends – and Bronco, who claims to be a runaway from his dad, who is too busy to notice him. As they make their way through the difficult “off the beaten track” route, they learn the true spirit of adventure and the magic of friendship.
“We’re thrilled for the film to be released stateside and sharing a film about the importance of friendship to overcome almost anything, and the indigenous concept that a connection to nature and place can heal you,” said House.
Early critical response highlights the film’s warmth and cultural resonance. Writing for The AU Review, Peter Gray described it as “a warm, welcoming experience that speaks to Māori culture and the whimsical nature of adventuring children.”
The review added, “The complexity of the film is rather surprising given its child-friendly mentality, but that’s part of the beauty of The Mountain, that it doesn’t talk down to its younger viewers, treating them with the emotional honesty they deserve.”
Watch the trailer for The Mountain above.
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