Set against the sweeping, sun-scorched landscapes of South Africa, this adventurous family drama follows a young boy named Xan, portrayed by Alex Michaeletos, who discovers an orphaned cheetah cub and names him Duma. When Xan’s father, played by Campbell Scott, unexpectedly passes away, his mother, played by Hope Davis, decides they must leave their farm and move to the city, forcing Xan to make an impossible choice. Determined to return Duma to his natural wild habitat, Xan embarks on a perilous journey across the Kalahari Desert, accompanied only by a mysterious, resourceful stranger. Directed by Carroll Ballard, the film captures a raw and breathtaking tone, blending the thrill of survival with the deep, unspoken bond between a boy and his animal companion. As Xan faces treacherous terrain, hunger, and the harsh elements, he must summon a courage he never knew he had, learning profound lessons about love, loss, and the true meaning of home.