The Mosquito Coast

1986 • Adventure, Drama • PG

Allie Fox, an American inventor exhausted by the perceived danger and degradation of modern society, decides to escape with his wife and children to Belize. In the jungle, he tries with mad determination to create a utopian community with disastrous results.

Runtime: 1h 59m

Dive into the gripping narrative of Paul Theroux's 'The Mosquito Coast,' a novel that delves deeper into the nuanced psyche of its protagonist, Allie Fox. Unlike its cinematic adaptation, the novel offers an intricate exploration of Allie's revolutionary idealism, his confrontation with civilization, and the resulting impact on his family. The book paints a vivid picture of the lush yet perilous Central American jungle, capturing the raw beauty and inherent dangers with Theroux's masterful prose. Through its pages, readers are granted access to the untamed wilderness with an intensity and authenticity that the screen cannot convey. Moreover, Theroux's novel invites reflection on themes of innovation, obsession, and the imperfections of the human spirit. Its richly detailed narrative provides a fuller, more immersive experience, offering insights and ideas that go unaddressed in the film. Discover the depths of this thrilling story by reading the source novel.