Review of Fierce People (2006) by Mikael K — 23 May 2012

Actor turned director Griffin Dunne has a very uneven track record in his newer profession. With âFierce People,â? an adaptation of Dirk Wittenbornâ(TM)s book, Dunne finds a perfect indie drama tone with solid visual realization and a reliable cast.

Anton Yelchin is perfect in coming of age roles, and he shines also here as Finn, a troubled teenager embarking on a journey of learning about humanity during one summer. Twilight Star Kristen Stewart could still act when this was made, and actually the whole cast has been selected quite nicely.

The movie reaches a perfect flavor that mixes drama, tragedy, comedy and surrealism in an odd but compelling combination. Hereâ(TM)s a film that isnâ(TM)t afraid of crossing genre boundaries but still feels organic and plausible. Itâ(TM)s an exploration on individual growth, the irrationality of societal classes and the darkest, primitive biological modes of behavior still manifest in human interaction. The title of the film refers to Finnâ(TM)s fatherâ(TM)s occupation in anthropology. During the course of the film Finn realizes that the social elite he spends his summer with are every bit as cruel, aggressive and dangerous as the fiercest human tribes are imagined to be.