The Colt (2005)

In the heart of the Civil War in May 1864, the First Michigan Cavalry finds itself marooned in the haunting wilderness of a Virginia forest. Among their ranks are weary Sergeant Longacre, Covington—an illustrator tasked with capturing the brutal war in meticulous detail—and young Jim Rabb, who, despite losing his brother to the war, continues to ride his cherished mare, Jen, embodying the resilient spirit of a soldier. A shimmering beacon of hope emerges in this desolate backdrop when Jim discovers that Jen has given birth. A newborn colt, trembling and terrified, clings to its mother, a symbol of life persisting amidst the chaos of war. Defying Sergeant Longacre's orders to eliminate the foal, Jim sees in the colt a solace, a testament to the beauty and resilience of life. Jen and her colt, an omen of optimism, join the men as they march towards unpredictable destinies. However, their journey is fraught with danger. Confederates ambush the squad, seizing Jen and the colt. In a desperate attempt to retrieve them, Jim engages in a perilous chase, leaving him lost and separated from his brigade, with a dying enemy at his mercy. This encounter, driven by an act of compassion towards the enemy's final wish, propels Jim on a transformative journey—one characterized by honor, duty, and unforeseen peril. In this crucible of conflict and camaraderie, "The Colt" is not just a character—it's a symbol. It embodies hope during desperate times, inspiring the men of the First Cavalry on a path of self-discovery and deeper brotherhood. This touching narrative pays a poignant tribute to the innocent creatures caught in the crossfire of war and to the enduring spirit of those tasked with navigating the tumultuous waters of conflict.

The Colt is a drama movie featuring Ryan Merriman and directed by Yelena Lanskaya.

The Colt is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Crackle, Plex, Plex Player, Shout! Factory TV and Tubi TV and it's also available on DIRECTV.