Doug and Scout Purdy’s PILGRIM heals the heart through a daughter and father’s journey in the mountains
Pilgrim, new indie film by Doug and Scout Purdy, a father and daughter’s emotional journey along the California coast at Dances with Films LA
Pilgrim, a character-driven new indie film from father-daughter directing team Doug and Scout Purdy, offers a compelling take on loss, healing, and the awkwardness of reconnection. Screening at Dances with Films LA, June 24 and 26, the film follows a teenager and her father as they hike the California coast in the wake of a family tragedy.
Pilgrim, new indie film by Doug and Scout Purdy, a father and daughter’s emotional journey along the California coast at Dances with Films LA
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Scout Purdy plays 15-year-old Jo, who persuades her father, Will (Doug Purdy), to join her on a month-long trek following her mother’s death and her brother’s departure for college. The two navigate grief, memory and the tension of a strained relationship, portrayed with subtlety and emotional intelligence.
What sets Pilgrim apart is its commitment to restraint. There are no explosive arguments or sweeping resolutions. Instead, the film leans into quiet moments—shared meals, long silences, missed cues—trusting viewers to pick up on the emotional undercurrents. The performances, especially from the co-directors, are rooted in authenticity and lived-in rapport. Their real-life father-daughter dynamic undoubtedly brings an unspoken depth to the screen.
Doug and Scout Purdy new indie film Pilgrim
While the film includes scenic and symbolic elements of a physical journey, its narrative and emotional arc are deeply rooted in character development. This is particularly true of Will, a grieving father navigating profound personal loss.
Audiences follow Will’s internal transformation through an external pilgrimage—a classic device used to highlight personal reckoning, healing, and redemption. The supporting characters, such as Marcus and Rosie, are not merely companions but catalysts who challenge, support, and reflect Will’s evolving state of mind.
If the film has one area that might be expanded, it’s Jo’s interaction with people outside her family. While the central relationship between Jo and her father is compelling and focused, the journey might have gained additional texture by introducing more external voices or encounters.
Pilgrim, new indie film by Doug and Scout Purdy, a father and daughter’s emotional journey along the California coast at Dances with Films LA
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That said, one standout scene involves a well-meaning therapist (Jenica Bergere) whose session with Jo devolves into something both comical and unexpectedly moving. This is also a stellar example of how Pilgrim deals with heavy themes while avoiding sentimentality. The screenplay, written by the Purdys, uses light, observational humor and conversational tension to create a grounded, engaging and believable narrative.
Doug and Scout Purdy new indie film Pilgrim
Shot with a small crew using a documentary-style floating camera, the film achieves a naturalistic tone. Landscapes, campgrounds and roadside stops are captured with immediacy, enhancing the emotional realism. Editor Tom Flynn keeps the pacing sharp without rushing the story’s contemplative rhythm. The result is a well-structured 112-minute feature that feels both lean and complete.
The score, composed by Max Purdy, is sparse and effective. It supports the emotional tone without becoming intrusive. The music allows the story to breathe while still offering cohesion and polish.
Structurally, the film adheres to a clear narrative arc. Each emotional beat builds naturally, with a satisfying sense of progression. Thematically, Pilgrim explores how people grieve differently—and how hard it can be to reconnect with someone when shared pain feels isolating.
Pilgrim marks a strong follow-up to the Purdys’ earlier film Quality Problems and solidifies their voice in the indie film space. With its mix of humor, craft, and emotional honesty, Pilgrim is an intimate but confident success—one that rewards close attention and reminds viewers of the power of subtle stories told well.
Doug and Scout Purdy new indie film Pilgrim