The Mosquito Coast

Allie Fox, a brilliant inventor, grows increasingly frustrated with the American Dream and the rampant consumerism surrounding him. His disdain for society amplifies as he believes that impending nuclear disaster is a dire consequence of this greed.

Alongside his eldest son, Charlie, Allie salvages parts from a local dump and completes an ice machine he names 'Fat Boy'. The invention symbolizes his quest to challenge societal norms and provide an essential resource that he views as a solution to consumerist issues.

At a meeting where Allie demonstrates 'Fat Boy', his boss, Mr. Polski, expresses concern over his obsession with the invention, as failing crops affect their harvest. The tension between Allie and Mr. Polski represents a clash of values regarding work and innovation.

Allie surprises his family by celebrating with local immigrant laborers before declaring that they will leave the United States behind. This moment marks a significant turning point in the family's life, setting them on a path toward uncertain challenges.

The family boards a Panamanian barge to embark on a journey to Belize City. During the trip, they meet various fellow passengers, including Reverend Spellgood, with whom Allie quickly finds himself at odds due to their conflicting ideologies.

Upon arriving in Belize City, Allie boldly purchases a small village named Jeronimo from a drunken German. This impulsive decision reflects Allie's determination to create a new life away from the influences of American society.

With the assistance of their boatman, Mr. Haddy, Allie and his family begin their journey upriver to establish a new civilization. Allie is fueled by ambition as he invents various tools, aiming to lead the villagers toward progress.

Reverend Spellgood returns to contest Allie's influence over the villagers, leading to a heated argument between the two. Their confrontation cements a fundamental ideological divide, with Allie viewing the Reverend as a fanatic.

Allie attempts to transport ice to a native tribe that has never experienced it, inspired by their stories. However, upon arrival, he discovers that their cargo has melted, rendering his efforts fruitless due to prior missionary influence.

Returning to Jeronimo, Allie finds that Reverend Spellgood has frightened away most villagers, leaving their settlement nearly deserted. The power struggle between Allie and the Reverend escalates, leading to dire consequences for Allie's ambitions.

In a moment of desperation, Allie locks three rebels inside the ice machine, intending to freeze them. However, when a gunshot ignites the machine, it explodes, destroying their home and contaminating the river with toxic chemicals.

The surviving family members drift downstream, with the children yearning to return to the United States. Despite the uncertainty, Allie clings to his dream of a new life while dismissing help from others, believing in the viability of his vision.

While exploring Spellgood's fortified settlement, Charlie and Jerry uncover that the United States remains intact and learn of Emily's willingness to help them escape. This revelation drastically shifts the family's perspective and sparks a plan for rescue.

In a fit of rage, Allie burns down Spellgood's church, leading to a violent confrontation where the Reverend shoots him, leaving Allie paralyzed. This pivotal moment signifies the collapse of Allie's dreams and the devastating impact of his actions.

As the family journeys downriver with Allie in a weakened state, they confront the lies they've told him about their destination. The narrative concludes with Charlie contemplating Allie's death while clinging to a flicker of hope for their newfound freedom.