Iceman

Scientists discover a frozen Neanderthal caveman and transport his body to the Arctic Research Station. After thawing the body to perform an autopsy, they detect brain activity on an EEG and successfully resuscitate the iceman. The revived caveman awakens to masked scientists and a world far from his own.

The iceman is alarmed by the surgical masks surrounding him. Stanley Shephard removes his mask, revealing a human face and a familiar appearance that calms him enough to drift back into peaceful sleep. This moment marks the iceman’s first connection with genuine humanity.

Researchers debate whether to treat Charlie as a person or a specimen. Some see him as a key to understanding human adaptability, while others push for DNA analysis and therapies. Shephard argues for recognizing Charlie’s humanity and his right to be treated with dignity.

Seeing his reactions and the potential bridge between worlds, Shephard initiates direct contact with Charlie. He names him 'Charlie' after the iceman says 'Char-u', signaling a growing bond. Charlie slowly accepts Shephard's presence and longs for his lost world.

A linguist arrives to help translate Charlie's speech. Shephard introduces Charlie to his colleague Dr. Diane Brady, hinting at collaboration in study. Charlie's drawings and lines in the sand reveal he once had a wife and children and a life beyond freezing.

Local Inuit explain Charlie's chant 'Beedha' refers to a mythical bird—a messenger for the gods. They interpret it as a sign Charlie was on a dreamwalk pilgrimage, offering himself to the gods to redeem his tribe. Shephard begins to see a spiritual dimension to Charlie beyond science.

Charlie becomes obsessed with the helicopter that hovers above his habitat. He climbs toward the roof with urgent zeal, interpreting the world as a sign from the gods. The crew watches helplessly as he raises his arms in worship at the machine.

An accidental escalation occurs when Charlie escapes after misinterpreting modern devices as enemies. He sprints through the base and unintentionally spears technician Maynard, prompting recapture and the suspension of the experiment. Shephard still believes the science can continue with safeguards.

Shephard helps Charlie flee into the wild, crossing glaciers as they seek safety. A crevasse opens, separating Shephard from Charlie and intensifying the peril. The pursuit moves toward a final, fateful meeting between the two.

The helicopter appears over an ice shelf, and Charlie grabs a landing ski. The pilot pulls up to avoid the grasping caveman, but Charlie dangles beneath the aircraft, convinced it is taking him to his god. He seems joyfully fulfilled as he is lifted higher before finally letting go.

Charlie plunges to his death, but Shephard realizes the dreamwalk has been completed after 40,000 years. Charlie's death brings a sense of awe and spiritual closure to Shephard, replacing initial horror with a quiet joy.

With the iceman’s end, the base reflects on Charlie’s humanity and the meaning of his sacrifice. Shephard documents the encounter, interpreting Charlie’s life as a bridge between science and spirit. The mission ends with a new respect for Charlie and his people.