A Dog of Flanders

Impoverished Mary Daas, with only her toddler Nello, braves a deadly blizzard to reach Jehaan Daas's remote forest home. She asks her father to promise to care for Nello after she is gone, hoping for a safe future for her son. The perilous journey showcases Mary's resolve and the danger they face.

Jehaan promises to look after Nello after Mary's death, setting the course for the boy's upbringing. Despite hardship, he commits to giving Nello a chance at a better life. The promise lays the foundation for their fragile family.

Mary's family leads a poor life delivering milk to the nearby city of Antwerp to make ends meet. They become part of the city’s small but respected community. Nello learns resilience from life in poverty while his bond with his grandfather deepens.

On a forest path they find a beaten dog left for dead and take him home. Nello and Jehaan nurse Patrasche back to health, and the dog becomes Nello's inseparable companion. The boy names the dog Patrasche, who will inspire his art.

With Jehaan's guidance, Nello develops his painting, using Patrasche as his subject. He meets Aloise, the daughter of local mill owner Nicholas Cogez, who becomes a lifelong friend and muse. A mutual artistic spark begins to shape his future.

Nello's talent draws the attention of Michel La Grande, who mentors him by the statue of Rubens outside the Cathedral of Our Lady. Michel takes Nello into his study and begins tutoring him, offering a glimpse into professional art. Michel eventually leaves for Rome to attend to business, but the mentorship leaves a lasting impression.

Nicholas Cogez disapproves of Aloise and Nello's bond, forbidding Nello from seeing her again. Anna, Nicholas's wife, defends the boy, but social pressure strains their hopes. The family begins to feel the weight of class and town gossip.

Stephens accidentally burns down Nicholas's mill while smoking in a shed. The next morning the town suspects Nello because he had visited Aloise the night before. Nicholas believes the lie and blames Nello for the fire, while Jehaan defends him.

Shortly after, Jehaan dies and Stephens evicts Nello and Patrasche from their home. William the blacksmith offers shelter, though Nello insists he must keep working. The loss of home marks a turning point toward hardship and loneliness.

On Christmas Day, Michel announces the results of the famous art contest. Nello hopes to win, but loses to Robert Kessler, the mayor's son. The setback strengthens his resolve to prove himself through his art.

During a night in the snow, Patrasche noses out Nicholas's wallet buried in the snow and the Cogez family fortune. Nello returns the wallet to the mill, sacrificing a warm meal to safeguard the family's future. He leaves Patrasche behind, hoping to secure his and his mentor's goodwill.

Nello returns to Antwerp and seeks shelter in the Cathedral as Patrasche follows. They lie before Rubens's The Descent from the Cross, and Nello dreams of their deaths and a possible afterlife guided by Rubens. Mary assures him that it is not yet time to pass and that she will always be with him.

Nello awakens to a search party; Aloise realizes where he went. Michel returns with the medal he won, hinting at a past link. Anna explains that Mary never told anyone that Michel was Nello's father, for fear of scandal. Father and son embrace as they acknowledge their bond.

Nicholas asks for forgiveness as truth comes to light. Michel and Nello share a heartfelt reconciliation. Outside the Cathedral, a star shines brightly, signaling a hopeful end to hardship.