The Water Horse

In 1942, during World War II, Angus MacMorrow lives in a manor house by Loch Ness with his mother, Anne, and sister, Kirstie. His father, Charles, is missing in action, which deeply affects young Angus as he struggles with the uncertainty of his father's fate.

Lewis Mowbray, a handyman, arrives at the manor to help the family. He bonds with Angus and introduces him to the outside world, providing a sense of camaraderie that Angus desperately needs during his father's absence.

While collecting seashells near the water, Angus discovers a strange large egg buried in the sand. Despite his fear of water, he is inexplicably drawn to it and decides to leave it in his father's shed for safekeeping.

Angus returns to find the egg has hatched into a mysterious creature he names 'Crusoe'. As Crusoe begins to grow, Angus keeps the existence of the creature a secret, but eventually confides in his sister and Lewis.

The British Army, led by Captain Thomas Hamilton, sets up camp near the MacMorrow manor to defend against German U-boats. The troops' presence brings both excitement and challenges to Angus and his family.

As Crusoe continues to grow, Angus and Lewis realize they must let him roam free in Loch Ness. This decision marks a significant turning point in Angus's relationship with Crusoe and highlights the bond they share.

Angus begins to face disciplinary training under Captain Hamilton, who disapproves of Lewis's influence on him. After an embarrassing incident at a dinner, Angus's mother allows Hamilton to teach him discipline, which Angus resents.

During a military demonstration, Angus witnesses Crusoe nearly getting harmed by an exploding artillery shell. Despite Angus's attempts to protect Crusoe, he angers Captain Hamilton, complicating their relationship further.

Two fishermen, seeing Crusoe, attempt to capture a photograph of the creature for fame. Unable to photograph the real thing amidst the bombardment, they decide to create a fake image, leading to the infamous 'Surgeon's Photo'.

Determined to see Crusoe, Angus sneaks out of his room despite being grounded. This act of defiance leads to a confrontation in which Crusoe is frightened by the soldiers, ultimately putting Angus in danger.

In a dramatic moment, Crusoe rescues Angus after he loses his footing in the water. This reinforces the bond between them, and Angus's mother witnesses the creature, finally believing her son's tales.

After being mistaken for a German U-Boat, Crusoe becomes the target of artillery fire. Angus, his family, and Lewis work together to protect the creature, leading it to safety despite the chaos surrounding them.

At sunrise, Angus finally comes to terms with the possibility that his father has died in the war. This acceptance mirrors his mother's emotional journey as she begins to move on, hinting at her feelings for Lewis.

Crusoe departs from the shores of Loch Ness, leaving behind a lasting impact on Angus and his family. Angus never sees Crusoe again, but the townsfolk share tales of sightings, keeping his memory alive.

Years later, Angus reflects on his experiences and the stories surrounding Crusoe. As a mother calls to her son on the beach, Angus spots an iridescent shell, suggesting that Crusoe's legacy continues through a new generation.