The film begins with old images of the Maclean family, with Norman and Paul as little boys. We learn that the land they were brought up on in Montana has become a major part of their story and who they are, and none more important than the rivers in which they have come to fish together. A place where their father has taught them a sport that has guided them to peace and freedom in their lives.
We watch as Norman returns home after years of being away at college studying. His mother and father have remained relatively the same, but Paul has changed. His life seems to be in disarray, but on the river he has become an artist. As the story progresses, we are guided by the voice of an older Norman, who tells us the story of coming home to Montana and of his life beginning anew with meeting his soon to be wife Jessie and his reconnection with his brother.
Paul has a great deal of craftsmanship, and we see that he is so free and creative while on the river. He doesn't have the great worries and debts when he is in the river. It is of great importance that Norman sees this artistry in his brother because we as the audience get to experience it as well. We get to see Paul precious gift far away from the boozing and gambling and fights that have become too normal in his day to day life. The reason this is so significant is that when Paul is killed, we feel the precious gift that was lost before it ever made land. Norman knew that his brother has a great gift to give to the world, he saw it when he was fishing and he knew it could translate to his life in a way that other people would benefit greatly from it. However, it was cut short.
The film is meditation by Norman who is seen in the final scene fly fishing alone as an old man. This river, this place of freedom and peace where he saw so purely the gifts, beauty and bounty of life has become the place he returns often. But, where there was once peace with his boots upon the river bed has been replaced by a haunting. Norman says he is "haunted by waters." Thus the river that runs through this man is the experiences of his life with Paul and what was lost, and this river never stops flowing through the heart and mind of Norman. Where there was peace there is now unrest, as all those he loved are gone.
