Teket

Synopsis

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Teket Mayeux, a wounded Confederate soldier, embarks on a perilous journey through the Louisiana wilderness, determined to return home. Alongside his loyal cousin Alcide, Teket faces both physical hardships and the relentless pursuit of a Union soldier, Harlan, who is determined to kill him. Haunted by memories of the brutal fighting and the harsh realization that he fought on the losing side, Teket grapples with guilt and the futility of his sacrifices. Letters scavenged from a fallen soldier’s haversack offer him brief solace and companionship, as he reflects on the lives torn apart by the conflict, both Union and Confederate.

At the heart of Teket's journey is his longing to reunite with his wife, Zulma, who waits anxiously for his return. As Teket trudges through the wilderness, the letters become a lifeline, filling the lonely nights and reminding him of the human stories lost in the wake of war. Teket struggles with the weight of having fought for a defeated cause, questioning his sense of honor and whether his sacrifices were in vain. Along the way, he must confront not only the dangers of the wilderness and his Union pursuer but also the internal battle of reconciling his identity and purpose in a world forever changed by the war.