#REVIEW: “THE HUNT”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

How do you talk about a movie that barely anyone has seen but everyone talks about? The Hunt was supposed to release last year in September but got pushed back due to its controversial nature. Director Craig Zobel alongside writer Nick Curse and Damon Lindelof, tell a story of the left hunting the right for sport, that proves to be poignant and funny with of course a lot of blood and guts.

The Hunt is absolutely best to go in completely blind into, however if you don’t then you might be a little disappointed after the first twenty minutes of the Movie, but the payoff and insanity that ensues is definitely worth the trip. The Movie focuses on Crystal (Betty Gilpin), Don (Wayne Duvall), and Athena (Hilary Swank) as Crystal and Don try to find out why they’re being hunted, and whose hunting them in their fight for survival. If you sensitive to blood, guts, and a whole lot of violence, The Hunt may not be the movie for you, but if you’re into a gory, hilarious, action packed revenge story then the movie is right up your ally.

When it comes to performances, Gilpin’s performance certainly stands out as she is clearly more than meets the eye and it is never explicitly said what her story is, but it’s clear that she is some form of ex-military suffering from potential PTSD. Duvall is the right-winged uncle that everyone at family dinner gets uncomfortable around and perfects the role. Double Academy Award winner Swank playing Athena is exquisite in her role, whose motivations are fitting, in a movie that exploits the insanity that is politics, while bringing to light the truly baffling logic and rationale behind people’s decisions, that proves when you have money, anything is possible.

What makes The Hunt so enjoyable is the masterful Script from Curse and Lindelof. The way they blend the Political Satire, with the action, blood and guts, while delicately balancing it before being called an extreme political agenda, the subtleties make it that much richer. The absolutely insanity and general tone of the Script also lends itself for an abundance of humour and a thoroughly crazy-entertaining time.

Universal Picture release THE HUNT in theatres on Friday, March 13, 2020.