Into the White

Into the White

Year: 2013

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Petter Næss

ActionDramaHistoryWar

During World War II, a Norwegian pilot and a German flier crash in a remote and dangerous Arctic wilderness. With their planes destroyed, the two former enemies are forced to rely on each other to survive the harsh conditions. They must set aside their differences and work together to overcome the challenges of the unforgiving landscape and find their way back to civilization.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Into the White yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Into the White (2013)

Trace every key event in Into the White (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Luftwaffe Bomber Encounter

On April 27, 1940, a Luftwaffe Heinkel He 111 bomber, identified as 1H+CT, is pursued by a Fleet Air Arm Blackburn Skua fighter near Grotli. This intense chase leads to the bomber's eventual crash in a remote area.

April 27, 1940 Grotli
2

Survivors of the Crash

After the crash, three of the four German crew members manage to survive: pilot Leutnant Horst Schopis, Feldwebel Wolfgang Strunk, and Obergefreiter Josef Schwartz. Sadly, Unteroffizier Hauk does not survive the incident, leaving the others stranded in hostile territory.

3

Seeking Safety and Supplies

The surviving Germans begin their treacherous journey toward the coast to rejoin their forces. Despite Josef's arm injury, morale remains high as they hope for survival, but they quickly face the harsh reality of a brutal snowstorm.

4

Discovering the Hunter's Cabin

Amid the snowstorm, the Germans stumble upon a hunter's cabin seeking shelter. Inside, they find two British airmen, Capt. Charles P. Davenport and gunner Robert Smith, from another downed aircraft, who are initially taken prisoner by the Germans.

Hunter’s Cabin
5

Tension in the Cabin

As the Germans establish their dominance, Horst sets a boundary within the cabin, warning the British not to cross it. The men share limited oatmeal, symbolizing a temporary truce, yet underlying tensions are clear as Smith openly expresses his disdain for the German soldiers.

Hunter’s Cabin
6

Firewood and Conflict

Desperation sets in as the men attempt to keep warm, dismantling parts of the cabin for firewood. In a tense moment, Horst takes Davenport's cherished lighter, igniting further conflict, although he pledges to return it after their ordeal, showcasing a flicker of mutual respect.

Hunter’s Cabin
7

Smith's Desperate Measure

In a moment of extreme frustration, Smith seizes Josef’s weapon, dictating terms and forcing the Germans to surrender their arms. This act marks a significant turning point, amplifying the already fraught atmosphere within the cabin as coping mechanisms strain.

Hunter’s Cabin
8

Finding Common Ground

As the men face the elements together, they begrudgingly agree to a ceasefire. They begin to cooperate to survive, securing their weapons and sharing newfound supplies after Strunk discovers preserved meats and alcohol hidden in the cabin.

Hunter's Cabin
9

Josef's Infection

As days pass, Josef’s condition deteriorates due to an infection from his arm injury. In a sign of solidarity, the group makes the harrowing choice to amputate his arm, bonding further as they navigate this painful but necessary procedure to ensure survival.

Hunter's Cabin
10

Scouting for Escape

With hope dwindling, Smith and Strunk venture outside on skis to look for an escape route. Meanwhile, a nearby military camp learns about the downed German aircraft, setting off a chain of events that will put their lives in jeopardy.

Norwegian Wilderness
11

Tragic Fate Strikes

During their return, Strunk is tragically shot by a Norwegian sniper while Smith is captured. This moment marks a devastating turning point, highlighting the precariousness of their shared survival and the brutal reality of the wartime environment.

Norwegian Wilderness
12

Interrogation at the Military Camp

Back at the military camp, the remaining British airmen find themselves under suspicion and intense questioning by a Norwegian officer. Unexpectedly, Horst arrives, returning Davenport's lighter, an act laden with complexity and silent acknowledgement of their bonds.

Military Camp
13

Emotional Confrontation

Tensions rise as Davenport defends their choices to the Norwegian officer, showcasing the complexities of their moral compass under duress. This pivotal moment reflects the internal struggles and emotional stakes faced by all characters involved.

Military Camp
14

The Final Departure

As the film comes to a close, Horst and Josef are led away, presumably towards a prisoner camp, marking the conclusion of their harrowing journey. A moment of shared understanding occurs between them and Davenport as they exchange a lingering glance.

15

Reunion in 1977

In a surprising twist, years later in 1977, Davenport reaches out to Horst, inviting him to London. Their reunion signifies the profound impacts of their wartime experiences, alluding to the unexpected friendships formed in the face of adversity.

1977 London

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 16:19

Unlock the Full Story of Into the White

Don't stop at just watching — explore Into the White in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Into the White is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Into the White Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Into the White, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Into the White Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Into the White

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Into the White. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Into the White

More About Into the White

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Into the White: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Into the White

Similar Movies to Into the White

Discover movies like Into the White that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.