Infinite Storm
Infinite Storm is a 2022 American biographical survival drama film directed by Małgorzata Szumowska and co-directed by Michał Englert, loosely based on the true story of experienced hiker and volunteer search-and-rescue worker Pam Bales, who on October 17, 2010, encountered and rescued a severely hypothermic, despondent man intending to end his life during a sudden blizzard on New Hampshire's Mount Washington.[1][2][3] The film stars Naomi Watts in the lead role as Bales, portraying her determination and compassion in leading the stranger to safety amid extreme weather conditions that included high winds, freezing temperatures, and whiteout visibility.[4][5] Released theatrically in the United States on March 25, 2022, by Bleecker Street, it dramatizes Bales' real-life act of heroism, which was first detailed in Ty Gagne's 2019 Reader's Digest article "High Places: Footprints in the Snow Lead to an Emotional Rescue," originally published in the New Hampshire Union Leader.[5][1][6] The screenplay, written by Josh Rollins, follows Bales on a solo hike up the Jewell Trail that turns into a rescue mission when she discovers the unnamed man—referred to as "John" in the film—slumped and severely hypothermic from exposure and emotional distress.[4][7][8] Over several grueling hours, Bales employs her medical knowledge as a nurse and outdoor expertise to revive and guide him down the mountain on foot to the trailhead, saving his life in a testament to human resilience and empathy.[2][9] In real life, Bales, then in her early 60s and a longtime member of the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team, followed the man's footprints up the Jewell Trail, found him near the summit, and led him to safety; the incident highlighted the mountain's notorious weather dangers, known as the "home of the world's worst weather," where sudden storms claim lives annually.[2][9][8] While the film takes some dramatic liberties, such as altering timelines and personal details for narrative flow, it earned praise for Watts' intense performance but received mixed critical reception overall, holding a 56% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of 2025.[5][7][10]Film overview
Plot
Infinite Storm follows Pam Bales, an experienced search and rescue volunteer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, as she embarks on a routine solo hike up Mount Washington one winter morning.[5] Motivated by her deep connection to the mountains and a desire for personal reflection, Pam ascends the challenging trails with confidence, equipped for the forecasted conditions but facing rapidly deteriorating weather ahead.[11] As Pam nears the summit, a sudden and ferocious blizzard engulfs the region, transforming the clear day into a life-threatening whiteout with gale-force winds, freezing temperatures, and near-zero visibility.[7] Recognizing the peril, she wisely turns back to descend, but the storm's intensity quickly escalates, turning the descent into a grueling battle against hypothermia, disorientation, and the mountain's notorious rime ice-covered rocks and cliffs.[12] During her struggle downward, Pam encounters John, a stranded and severely hypothermic hiker who has become separated from his gear and is barely coherent, driven to the mountain by his own unresolved personal turmoil.[4] Compelled by her rescuer's instinct and sense of humanity, Pam chooses to aid him despite the added risk to her own safety, fashioning improvised shelters from snow and sharing her limited supplies to combat the freezing conditions.[5] The narrative chronicles their tense, step-by-step efforts to navigate the storm-ravaged trails toward safety, highlighting the relentless assault of the weather—blinding snow squalls, treacherous footing, and the psychological strain of isolation—as Pam guides John through moments of doubt and determination.[11] The film, inspired by a true story, emphasizes the raw power of nature and the resilience required for survival in such extreme environments.[7]Cast
The principal cast of Infinite Storm is led by Naomi Watts, who portrays Pam Bales, a seasoned hiker, nurse, and teacher known for her expertise in navigating challenging mountain terrain.[13] Billy Howle plays John, a disoriented climber whose encounter with Bales forms a central dynamic in the narrative.[14] Supporting roles include Denis O'Hare as Dave, Pam's friend and local diner owner who provides emotional support, and Parker Sawyers as Patrick, a colleague involved in the hiking community.[14][15] Additional cast members feature Eliot Sumner as Will, another mountaineer, and Joshua Rollins as Finn, Bales' son, highlighting her personal life alongside her adventurous pursuits.[14][16]| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Naomi Watts | Pam Bales | Experienced hiker, nurse, and teacher central to the story's themes of resilience and guidance.[5] |
| Billy Howle | John | A lost climber whose vulnerability underscores the film's exploration of human connection in crisis.[17] |
| Denis O'Hare | Dave | Pam's friend and local diner owner, providing emotional grounding amid her high-risk lifestyle.[15] |
| Parker Sawyers | Patrick | A fellow hiker and friend, contributing to the ensemble's portrayal of community support.[14] |
| Eliot Sumner | Will | A supporting mountaineer who adds depth to the group's interactions on the trails. |
| Joshua Rollins | Finn | Pam's son, illustrating her roles as a mother balancing personal and professional demands.[16] |