1. Emotional Healing: At the beginning of the film, Thomas is depicted as a deeply wounded and traumatized individual, haunted by the past and unable to move forward with his life. His journey to Phoenix brings him face-to-face with the source of his pain, allowing him to confront his traumatic memories and begin the process of healing.
2. Self-Awareness: Throughout his journey, Thomas becomes more introspective and gains a deeper understanding of his own emotions and desires. He comes to terms with his sense of isolation and recognizes the importance of connecting with others.
3. Connection and Empathy: As Thomas interacts with Victor and other characters along the way, he learns to forge genuine connections and empathize with their struggles. He discovers the power of shared experiences and the comfort that comes from being understood.
4. Cultural Pride: Initially, Thomas feels disconnected from his Native American heritage and ashamed of his identity. However, his journey helps him reconnect with his culture, embrace his roots, and find pride in his heritage. He becomes an advocate for Native American rights and representation.
5. Finding His Voice: Thomas is initially hesitant to express himself and share his feelings. As he confronts his past and gains a stronger sense of self, he becomes more vocal and assertive, using his voice to speak out against injustice and fight for change.
6. Growth as a Storyteller: Throughout the movie, Thomas is seen developing his skills as a storyteller, expressing his emotions and experiences through his writings. His storytelling becomes a powerful tool for healing and empowering his community.
7. Sense of Purpose: By the end of the movie, Thomas has transformed from a lost and directionless individual to a passionate and determined advocate for his people. He discovers his purpose in life, which is to use his storytelling abilities to give a voice to the voiceless and promote understanding between different cultures.