The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›The Revenant
Entertainment • Film

The Revenant

The Revenant is a 2015 American epic Western action drama film directed by Alejandro G.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Revenant is a 2015 American epic Western action drama film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as frontiersman Hugh Glass. It follows Glass after a brutal bear attack and his struggle to survive and seek revenge. The film is partly based on Michael Punke’s novel, which itself draws on the historical Hugh Glass story.

Plot

Set in 1823 during the fur trade era in North America, the film follows Hugh Glass after he is mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his expedition. He then struggles to survive in the wilderness and seek revenge against John Fitzgerald.

Historical basis

The film is not a documentary account. It is based in part on Michael Punke’s novel, which draws on the historical figure Hugh Glass and his 1823 experiences.

Production and release

The Revenant was released in 2015 and was directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Hugh Glass, with Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, and Will Poulter in supporting roles.

Reception and awards

The film received 12 Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars: Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography. It also won multiple Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards.

Key facts

  • The Revenant is a 2015 epic Western action drama directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio stars as frontiersman Hugh Glass, who survives a bear attack and seeks revenge.
  • The film is based in part on Michael Punke’s novel, inspired by the 1823 experiences of Hugh Glass.
  • At the 88th Academy Awards, The Revenant won Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography.
  • DiCaprio won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for this performance.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Revenant about?
It follows Hugh Glass, a frontiersman who survives a bear attack in the 1820s and then struggles to survive and avenge the betrayal of the men who left him behind.
Is The Revenant based on a true story?
Yes, partly. It is based in part on Michael Punke’s novel, which itself is based on the historical Hugh Glass and his experiences in 1823.
Who directed The Revenant?
The film was directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
How old was Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant?
DiCaprio was 41 years old when The Revenant was released in 2015; he was born in November 1974.
What happened to Hugh Glass in The Revenant?
Glass is mauled by a bear, left for dead by his expedition team, and later survives long enough to continue across the wilderness in pursuit of Fitzgerald.
How many Oscars did The Revenant win?
It won three Academy Awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Revenant_(2015_film)
    Supports: Release year, director, cast, source material, and Academy Award wins.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/plotsummary/
    Supports: Basic plot summary involving Hugh Glass, the expedition, and the opening conflict.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/
    Supports: Plot synopsis and the bear-attack survival premise.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_revenant_2015
    Supports: Synopsis of the plot and revenge premise.
  5. Hugh Glass.org — https://hughglass.org/the-legend/revenant-the-movie/
    Supports: Statement that the film is a fictionalized account inspired by Hugh Glass's story.