The Earthling (1980)

Introduction
"The Earthling" is an insightful Australian-American drama film launched in 1980. The movie is directed by Peter Collinson and stars William Holden, Ricky Schroder, and Jack Thompson. Focused on themes of survival, death, separation, and resilience, "The Earthling" draws a poignant image of human connection and the determination of the human spirit.

Plot
The story starts when a terminal cancer patient and former astronaut, Patrick Foley (William Holden), decides to go back to his native Australia, particularly to the separated place of his childhood. The place has a significant worth to him as it's where he matured learning the battles of survival and comprehending the essence of presence.

On his journey, he encounters a tragic accident where a young kid named Shawn Daley (Ricky Schroder) ends up being orphaned following the death of his parents in a camper van crash. Foley, in spite of planning to journey alone in his final days, takes it onto himself to look after the young Shawn and teach him the rudiments of survival. They start a journey through the wilderness that is both a test of endurance and a journey of self-discovery for both of them.

Character Growth
The story displays substantial character development, particularly in Shawn and Foley. Shawn, who initially struggles in the vast wilderness of Australia, gradually becomes more adept at survival skills under Foley's assistance. On the other hand, Foley, who started his journey with a bleak approval of his impending death, begins to find new purpose in his life through Shawn.

Conflict and Resolution
The dispute occurs when Shawn finds out about Foley's terminal illness. He experiences numerous feelings, including betrayal, disappointment, and helplessness. Nevertheless, Foley assures him and advises him to use his survival abilities to deal with obstacles and move forward, in the wilderness and, in a broader sense, in life itself.

Foley eventually succumbs to his health problem, dying in harmony in a cave, leaving Shawn alone. The film ends with Shawn continuing his journey alone, embodying the resilience, courage, and survival abilities taught by Foley.

Cinematography and Themes
"The Earthling" displays immersive cinematography, capturing the large, desolate, yet striking landscapes of the Australian wilderness. The film magnificently contrasts life and death, isolation and togetherness, vulnerability and strength through its characters and their experiences in the wilderness.

Furthermore, the movie delves deep into existential styles of life, death, human connection, and survival. The film demonstrates how a deadly illness prompts Foley to revisit his roots, ponder the circle of life, and pass on his knowledge to the next generation. At the same time, it portrays how a tragic accident forces Shawn to face raw mankind and the severe truths of life at an extremely young age.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Earthling" is a powerful, character-driven drama about two various generations united by fate. Through its gripping storyline, the film becomes a poignant narrative that underlines hardship, resilience, the human spirit's strength, and the long-lasting bond formed in between an old man and a young boy against the backdrop of the hauntingly stunning Australian wilderness.

Top Cast