Gunner Boone, an 11-year-old boy who has recently moved to the quaint town of Pine Mills, Oregon, seeks comfort in an imaginative inner universe as he adjusts to his new life. Here, he immerses himself in crafting a graphic novel that revolves around a detective delving into the mysteries surrounding his own demise. In his explorations, Gunner discovers the enchanting local bookstore, Once Upon a Time. This charming spot becomes his sanctuary, filled with intriguing detective narratives and volumes about cancer, resonating deeply as his mother, Mary Boone, battles leukemia. Though he hasn't made any friends yet, Gunner finds companionship in his rich imagination.
The absence of Gunner's father, Amos Boone, a Marine, creates an emotional chasm, particularly when they do interact. These moments often unfold awkwardly, such as when his father inadvertently damages one of Gunner's cherished drawings while attempting to encourage him to play football. This disconnection only intensifies Gunner's longing for an escape into his creative worlds.
As Gunner probes the enigmatic tales of Pine Mills, he becomes captivated by the legend of The Water Man, a spectral figure believed to hold the secret of immortality. Local children reverently speak of Jo Riley, a spirited con artist with striking blue hair, who claims to have met The Water Man, a tale supported by a scar she bears on her neck. Driven by curiosity, Gunner seeks out an undertaker who shares his intrigue about the mythical powers attributed to The Water Man.
Uniting with Jo, the two form an unexpected companionship, connected by their mutual experiences of paternal neglect. Like Hansel and Gretel, they set off on a daring adventure into the wilderness, bringing along supplies and snacks as their way of marking the path. Their journey through the forest reveals a plethora of astonishing sights: the sounds of distant creatures, wild horse herds racing by, shimmering dark stones, a river teeming with beetles, and a surreal snowfall in July.
Unbeknownst to them, a fierce forest fire is brewing in the distance, threatening their lives at every turn. As the duo navigates this perilous landscape, they face conflicts, resolve issues, and deepen their bond.
Gunner's artistic expressions in sketches and comics evolve into vibrant reflections of his hopes for his mother's recovery, weaving a fantastical narrative where The Water Man may be the key to eternal life. Through Gunner's perspective, audiences are invited into this imaginative dreamscape, where the boundaries of reality and fantasy dissolve.
As the film concludes, viewers catch a glimpse of Gunner's completed graphic novel—an inspiring testament to the strength of creativity when confronting life's challenges.
