Burn Your Maps

Burn Your Maps is a 2016 drama film that tells the story of a young boy named Wes (played by Jacob Tremblay) who is fascinated by Mongolia and dreams of going there. His parents, Alise (Vera Farmiga) and Connor (Marton Csokas), are struggling with their marriage and their own personal issues. When Wes suddenly decides he is a Mongolian goat herder trapped in the wrong body, he convinces his family to embark on a journey to Mongolia in search of his true identity.

The film begins with Wes's passion for Mongolia, particularly his fascination with the Mongolian nomads and their way of life. His obsession with the country consumes him to the point where he starts to dress like a Mongolian and even learns to speak the language. Alise and Connor are initially supportive of their son's interest, but they become increasingly concerned when his enthusiasm starts to become more extreme.

One day, Wes announces to his family that he is a Mongolian goat herder who has been reincarnated as a boy in America. Alise takes him to see a therapist, but Wes remains convinced of his identity. Alise starts to unravel emotionally, and she struggles to connect with her son. Connor, on the other hand, becomes increasingly distant, consumed by his own issues.

Despite their reservations, Alise and Connor eventually decide to take Wes to Mongolia. The family is joined by a local guide, Iskander (Suraj Sharma), and they embark on a journey through the rugged terrain of Mongolia. Along the way, they encounter a number of challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. As they journey deeper into the country, Alise and Connor start to confront their own issues and begin to come to terms with their own identities.

The film is a poignant exploration of identity and family dynamics. At its core, it is a story about a young boy who is searching for his place in the world and a family who is struggling to keep their own lives together. The performances of the cast, particularly Jacob Tremblay, are outstanding, and the cinematography captures the stunning beauty of the Mongolian landscape.

As the family reaches their destination, they discover that there are no easy answers to Wes's identity crisis. However, in the end, they come to a new understanding of themselves and each other, and they are able to find a sense of peace and acceptance.

Overall, Burn Your Maps is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning. It is a compelling story that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.