A trapper named La Bête (Oliver Reed) struggles to survive in the remote wilderness of British Columbia. He makes an annual journey to a trading post to exchange his furs and with any luck, find a wife; finding suitable partners is uncommon so far north, so when he’s presented with the opportunity to trade gold for the young, silent Rita Tushingham, he accepts without hesitation and they travel back to his cabin. She proves to be an assertive individual who isn't easily dominated by this imposing figure, but they must find a way to live together if they want to avoid starvation or freezing. After one hunting trip, wolves attack him, and he narrowly escapes death because of her help; at that point, there’s a feeling that things are beginning to change between them. Essentially, the story revolves around three elements: Reed, Tushingham, and their harsh surroundings—and all three interact effectively with a memorable score by Ron Goodwin (which many British viewers will associate with another test of human resilience seen on television – The London Marathon). The photography depicting the winter landscapes and overall wild scenery is stunning, which enhances the enjoyment of watching their power struggles and their unconventional love story—far from being romantic. Any dialogue that exists isn't particularly significant; instead, it’s about acting and visual storytelling, and this approach proves successful.

Source on TMDB