While the movie draws inspiration from the short story, it significantly deviates from the original source material. Here's a breakdown:
Similarities:
* Setting: Both the story and the movie feature a group of oil rig workers stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash.
* Wolves: Both narratives involve a pack of wolves hunting the survivors.
* Survival: The themes of survival and the struggle against the elements are central to both.
Differences:
* Characters: The movie introduces new characters and alters the personalities of those from the story.
* Plot: The movie adds a backstory for the protagonist, Ottway (played by Neeson), and expands the plot with elements like a philosophical struggle and a more complex relationship with the wolves.
* Ending: The movie provides a more ambiguous and emotionally charged ending compared to the relatively straightforward conclusion in the story.
Overall:
While "The Grey" draws inspiration from "Ghost Walker," it's considered a loose adaptation, taking liberties with the plot, characters, and themes. The movie's focus on Ottway's internal struggles and the ambiguous nature of the wolf pack provide a different narrative experience than the original short story.
It's worth noting that "Ghost Walker" itself is a fictional story and does not have a non-fiction basis. It's a work of creative imagination by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers.