Based on a true story.
A howling snow storm rips across a mountain pass. Through the gloom the headlights of large car approaches, on a corner the vehicle slides slowly and ominously to the edge of a ravine. After clipping the barrier it speeds on its way. Muttered curses are heard.
A metal wheel cover spins and dies on the snow covered road. It sinks out of sight.
The next corner the car slides out of control in a 360 degree revolve and plunges into a deep ravine and is instantly buried in a deep snow drift. Other vehicles speed safely by.
Ann Ford the young woman inside the car is semi unconscious, blood seeps from a wound on her forehead. The dim light from the car windows reveals that snow blocks every window in the car. The engine coughs and dies. The windscreen wipers stop.
Recovering, Ann winds down her window but snow falling in makes that a bad choice.
She wipes the blood off her forehead and studies herself in the vanity mirror in the sun shade. She attempts to open the door but the thick snow drift blocks her efforts.
Turning the ignition on and attempting to start the engine finds no response. Again she turns the starter over. After four attempts the engine starts. Engaging gear she floors the accelerator to escape, the vehicle rocks back and forth but will not move.
Low on gasoline the car heater has to be used sparingly. The SatNav works fine. Her mobile phone is answered but the reply is scrambled. Her water bottle is half empty. A half eaten sandwich is in the glove compartment. A match box contains just a dozen matches. Ripping out the back seat gives access to the trunk and to a tool box.
Another car crashes down beside her and her window is partially cleared to reveal Jim Blake, a young man unconscious over his steering wheel. Snow is rapidly filling his car, forcing Ann to prise open her door and drag the now semi-conscious man into her car.
Over 40 days and 40 nights they have to battle the elements. Together they fight off a starving bear attempting to break in. Wolves howl nearby. A bottle of brandy is rescued from Jim’s car. They attempt to ignite the gas from Jim’s tank. The rapidly falling snow extinguishes their efforts. The sides of the ravine are steep and cannot be climbed.
Freezing in the cold they huddle together for warmth which leads to all sorts of problems. Realizing that a combined effort is needed to stay alive the seats are arranged as a bed.
Their parents have their own problems. A stepmother manipulates the search party as she realises the girls life insurance would pay for her divorce.
Ann suffers with hyperthermia and Jim strips her down to massage her and bring her back to life. The brandy turns them both on and they have sex, uncomfortably but joyful and with laughter. Music on the radio reverts to news of another snow storm.
Arguments break out; plans are conceived and implemented but to no avail. Together and near death they hear the crash of boots on the roof. A fireman is cutting his way in. Two ambulances move off in different directions, sirens blaring, lights flashing.
