Review of Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) by Kj P — 28 Sep 2016

Oh how I love off-beat filmmaking. There is something special about certain independent films that you will either love or hate. Being able to have more freedom without large studios screaming down your throat, independent films are usually where you can find the most unique stories. Taika Waititi (of What We Do in the Shadows fame) writes and directs this film to absolute perfection. While I did not love the film What We Do in the Shadows, its style impressed me and his direction was incredibly notable. It is still odd that he has been given the reigns to direct Thor: Ragnarok, but if a director as talented as Colin Trevorrow can handle Jurassic World, this man can certainly handle mingling with the crew in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is one of the best films I have seen all year, and here is why.

Moved around from foster home to foster home, young Ricky Baker finds himself adopted by his foster Aunt and Uncle. Being the punk he is, he wanders off into the bush behind their home, getting himself lost. After finding him, his Uncle Hector sets out on a journey of survival in the woods with him. Thinking that this man has kidnapped this boy, forces try to track down these man, placing wanted posters all over town. This is a tale about an off-beat family friendship that blossoms and falls apart on multiple occasions, and I loved every second of it. This is mainly due to the fact that this cast of characters could not have been any more likeable.

I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions, due to the pairing of these two actors. Sam Neil and newcomer Julian Dennison are comedic gold on screen together. From classic film references, to extremely clever dry humour, this film is layered with comedy, with sprinkles of just enough drama to make its audience shed a tear or two. You really do feel as though you are watching a man who wants nothing to do with this boy, and yet finds himself still protecting and caring for him. Sam Neil was an incredible choice for this part, but the standout is clearly young Julian Dennison. I hope to see him cast in many more comedic roles, because his talents gleamed off the screen here.

Based on a book called Wild Pork and Watercress, this film borrows the storytelling aspect from many novels. Told through 10 chapters and an epilogue, you really feel like you are watching a novel come to life, which was one of the endlessly genius aspects of this picture. I have not read this novel, so I am not quite sure how closely it follows it source material, but as a film, it really is something special. Its dialogue feels natural and real, its direction makes these characters seem like they are actually related in some offbeat way, and the soundtrack/score helps move the story along in a very enjoyable manor.

This has been the year for independent film. Sure, there have been some great blockbusters in films like Star Trek Beyond or Zootopia, but with films like Hell or High Water, Sing Street, or Everybody Wants Some, independent films have shown the most originality. This is definitely a good thing for people who are able to track these films down, but it is disappointing that a film like this does not get widely recognized. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is wholly unique and original. With an incredibly engaging and funny premise, this film will have you laughing, on the edge of your seat, and maybe even shedding a tear in the final moments. I cannot recommend this film enough to film fans everywhere. This is sadly one of the greatest, yet most overlooked films of 2016.