Arthur the King

The movie opens with the start of the 2015 adventure race in Costa Rica. Michael Light is introduced as a talented but stubborn competitor, known for his determination that sometimes leads to risky decisions. Commentary from Bear Grylls highlights Michael's reputation as one of the best racers who has yet to win a championship.

Despite warnings, Michael pushes his team to lead out in their kayaks early in the race. Their decision results in them getting stuck in the mud, causing frustration among team members Leo and Helen. They ultimately have to call for help to assist an injured team member, highlighting Michael’s impulsiveness.

Leo shares footage of Michael’s stubbornness and risky leadership decision on social media. The video gains widespread attention, damaging Michael’s reputation and ending his racing career temporarily. Helen encourages Michael to reconnect with sponsors and potential teammates to make a comeback.

In the Dominican Republic, Michael trains intensively for endurance racing and meets with former champions Chik and Olivia in Hawaii, convincing them to join his team. He also attempts to secure sponsorship support but faces rejection until he passionately advocates for his team's potential.

Leo, now an influencer, agrees to join Michael’s team after a candid conversation about past mistakes. They visit a photoshoot where Leo questions Michael's leadership, but they reconcile. The team arrives in the Dominican Republic with limited training time ahead of the race.

The race kicks off on foot with a jungle trek. Michael questions Chik’s navigation, leading to tension during the initial stages. The team quickly moves through the stages, establishing themselves competitively early on, while Helen and Ruby follow their progress online.

During all-terrain cycling and risky zipline crossings, the team bonds through shared effort. Michael helps Olivia across a broken zipline wire, demonstrating leadership. They move up in rankings, showing resilience despite physical difficulties and limited training.

At the halfway point, the team reaches sixth place, and Michael opts for a shorter rest to keep momentum. Resting in the rain, they face injuries, with Chik injuring his knee and Leo deteriorating physically. They make critical decisions to push forward with their lead.

The team becomes temporarily lost after passing through a small town. Arthur, a stray dog, helps them by alerting them to danger, earning their trust. Michael and the team bond with Arthur, who accompanies them as they navigate the remaining stages of the race.

Arthur proves invaluable by guiding the team through tricky jungle terrain and waters. During the final race stage, Michael carries Arthur on his back, and the dog runs with them to the finish line. They ultimately finish second, feeling victorious despite not winning.

After the race, Michael takes Arthur to a vet in the US, who diagnoses infected wounds from past abuse and parasites. The vet suggests euthanasia due to the severity of his condition, but Michael, emotionally attached, fights to save him and arranges for treatment.

Eighteen months later, Arthur has fully recovered and joyfully runs alongside Michael in the Colorado mountains. Michael’s family has expanded with the birth of a new baby, celebrating their restored bond and the newfound happiness brought by Arthur.

The story of Michael and Arthur garners national attention, raising funds through crowdfunding for animal welfare and medical expenses. The movie concludes with a message about the importance of perseverance, compassion, and the impact of community support.