Bookworm

Mildred, an 11-year-old bookish girl, lives with her mother in New Zealand and is fascinated by the Canterbury panther. She follows legends about the creature and hopes to prove its existence. Her quiet life hints at the adventure to come.

One night, an exploding toaster sends Mildred's mother into a coma. Strawn, her magician father who has been absent from her life, arrives from the United States to help. He agrees to take Mildred on a camping trip that will lead them toward the panther and a possible $50,000 reward.

On the camping trip, Strawn travels from the United States to be with Mildred and to make amends for his absence. He agrees to take her on a camping trip, hoping the wild setting will yield the panther footage. Mildred remains skeptical of his tricks and presence, but she hopes the trip will help her mother's debts.

The plan centers on filming the panther to win a reward of 50,000 dollars. The money could help pay Mildred's mother debts. Mildred is determined to get the footage despite the challenges.

The panther is spotted drinking from a stream, and Mildred records it on her video camera. The footage appears to capture the elusive animal and strengthens Mildred's conviction that she will succeed. Strawn supports capturing evidence but remains wary of the dangers.

Mildred and Strawn meet hikers Arnold and Angelina along the trail as they travel together. The four proceed for a while, joining forces for travel and supplies. The group dynamics become uneasy as trust starts to fray.

Arnold steals Strawn's phone and wallet, and takes Mildred's camera. He and Angelina depart, leaving Mildred and Strawn stranded. The loss threatens Mildred's ability to keep filming the panther.

The next day, Strawn and Mildred encounter Arnold and Angelina arguing beside their tent. Mildred steals Arnold's bag, and she and Strawn flee. They discover later that Arnold and Angelina have filmed over the panther footage with their own video.

The panther appears as the duo attempt to cross a rope over a chasm. The creature claws through the rope, and Strawn and Mildred plunge into the ravine. They struggle to survive in the dangerous moment.

Strawn regains consciousness and finds Mildred's legs trapped under a log. He uses a hallucinogenic mushroom to ease her pain and lifts the log free. He carries Mildred away from the danger and continues their escape.

Strawn drives away with Mildred in the back seat after stealing a van from Arnold and Angelina. They flee down the road hoping to reach safety. The plan relies on using any chance to reach safety.

As they drive, Mildred urges Strawn to keep his eyes on the road. He pivots to film her with his phone and suddenly a panther appears on the road. He swerves to avoid it, crashing the van and ending their immediate escape.

Mildred wakes up in the hospital beside her mother. The film proof surfaces, showing a brief glimpse of the panther on Strawn's phone just before the crash. This evidence lets Mildred claim the reward and bring the adventure to a close.