Synopsis:

In 1803, on the remote west coast of North America, young English blacksmith John Jewitt is one of only two European survivors left after his crewmates aboard their ship, the Boston, clash with Mowachaht Indians.

John and a belligerent American sailmaker, Thompson, must put aside personal animosities and use all their cunning to survive as slaves of the Mowachahts.

Desperate to return to civilization, the pair make several unsuccessful escape attempts over mountains and sea. Their proven value to the tribe and John’s relationship with Maquina, the tribe’s all-powerful chief, is all that prevents their captors from killing them.

As the seasons pass, John ‘goes Indian’ after falling in love with Eu-stochee, a beautiful maiden. This further alienates him from Thompson whose volatile temperament leads to violent consequences.

When a final opportunity to escape arises, John must choose between leaving with Thompson or staying with Eu-stochee and their newborn son.