This is a quirky childhood love story that takes place in the 1960s on an island off the coast of Maine. The two main characters, Sam and Suzy, meet and at first glance are smitten. They share a pen-pal romance for a year and decide to run away together. Both are outsiders and a little odd, but made for each other. Sam is at camp with the Khaki Scouts and Suzy lives on the island.
When the two go missing, a search is mounted by the scouts (leader Edward Norton), the police consisting of one (Bruce Willis), and Suzy’s parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand). Far from being in peril, the two are safe and happy. (The scout leader says he would have given Sam a “distingished” for the campsite). A mega storm threatens and the ending gets a bit muddled. The focus shifts from the kids to the grown ups. But the ending is satisfactory.
Directed by Wes Anderson. All the acting is great and there are sight gags and word play throughout. I’d like to watch it again to catch it all.