Review of The Hunt (2013) by Eero V — 01 Jul 2014

While I have been well aware of The Hunt, the new film by Thomas Vinterberg, for quite some time now, I haven't bothered to actually watch it yet. And I'm only too happy that I finally did, because it is one of the best films I've seen in quite some time.

How this remarkable drama thriller could lose the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film is beyond me; Vinterberg's harrowing depiction of a decent everyday man being falsely accused of child abuse is much more interesting, thought-provoking and rewarding than Paolo Sorrentino's dull and indulgent art house mess.

The film asks some really tough questions about difficult subject matters, such as children and their environment, dereliction, the fucntionality of a small community, family relationships, and is the word of children always trustworthy.

And unlike many American films, Vinterberg and screenwriter Tobias Lindholm don't run away from these themes after throwing them in the air, but deal with them fearlessly and realistically. The screenplay is marvelous, intelligent and even-handed, Mads Mikkelsen delivers a magnificent performance, and Vinterberg's direction is impeccable.

Like his previous film, Submarino, The Hunt is often grim and a heavy film to watch, but it is so well-crafted and exciting that it is impossible to look away, and above all, it evokes real emotions. The Hunt is one of the best films of 2013, and nothing short of essential viewing.