Gold

The film opens with a desolate desert landscape characterized by dusty terrain and sparse vegetation. The introductory note informs viewers that the events take place 'some time, someplace, not far from now,' setting a bleak tone for what lies ahead.

An unnamed man, played by Zac Efron, is introduced as he travels in a freight train car. He encounters a woman and her infant, and feeling moved by their plight, he generously offers them a piece of bread he has, showcasing his compassion in a harsh world.

The traveler arrives at a dilapidated outpost that serves as a gateway to a location known as The Compound. Despite his eager inquiries about a driver, the outpost attendant remains cold and unwelcoming, hinting at the challenges ahead.

After a brief encounter with another man, played by Anthony Hayes, they embark on the journey toward The Compound. Hayes quickly reveals his opportunistic nature by demanding extra payment for essential supplies such as fuel and water.

As they traverse the unforgiving environment, their vehicle suffers a flat tire. Efron pitches in to help fix the tire, during which he witnesses the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness as a wild dog attacks another canine.

That night, around a campfire, Efron shares his motivations for traveling to The Compound with Hayes. He shows him a flyer promising a better life, but Hayes warns him of the deceptive nature of corporate promises, foreshadowing the hardships ahead.

The following day, while fixing their overheated vehicle, Efron discovers a glimmering rock in the sand, which turns out to be a sizeable gold nugget. They initially attempt to unearth it with their hands, realizing it is much larger than they thought.

Realizing they need proper tools, the two decide to split up: one will go for an excavator while the other guards the gold. Efron insists on staying, underestimating the dangers of being alone in such a harsh environment.

Alone in the wilderness, Efron begins to struggle with isolation and dwindling supplies. He constructs a makeshift shelter and confronts the desperate conditions of his surroundings, hearing wild animals howl at night.

In his quest for materials to reinforce his shelter, Efron discovers the wreckage of a crashed airplane. He gathers leftover parts, showcasing his adaptability and desperate need for survival amidst desolation.

Efron's tension-filled solitude is disrupted by a mysterious woman who appears and pressures him for information about his presence. The encounter turns violent, culminating in her accidental death at Efron’s hands.

Following the tragic incident, Efron feels compelled to incinerate the woman's remains after realizing he cannot bury her properly. This act symbolizes his growing despair and moral decline in the face of survival.

As days pass, Efron begins to struggle with his greedy impulses while waiting for Hayes. He hallucinates the woman he killed, a sign of his deteriorating mental state as he grapples with guilt and temptation.

A violent sandstorm strikes, injuring Efron while debris slams into him. As he struggles to stay conscious, he encounters the spirit of the woman he killed, leading to a haunting ending as wild dogs approach him.

The film concludes with Efron's tragic demise as the wild dogs drag him away. Meanwhile, Hayes watches from a distance, hinting at his ulterior motives as he prepares to claim the gold left behind, marking a brutal end to the tale.