Review of The Hunt (2013) by Michael S — 10 Feb 2014

Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is a mild-mannered kindergarten teacher residing in a small Danish community. Divorced, and struggling to maintain a relationship with his son due to his overbearing ex-wife, Lucas seeks solace in his close-knit group of friends and playful, fatherly interaction with his school children. Things look to be on the up and up when Nadja, a coworker who initiates a relationship, moves in as his girlfriend, but soon an innocent little lie from a young pupil threatens not only Lucas' reputation. but his dignity and the very life he has established for himself.

Thomas Vinterberg's "The Hunt" is simply a horrifying study of human nature; sadly it rings true. Child abuse is arguably the most difficult subject matter to center a film on, but Vinterberg and co-writer Tobias Lindholm come to a creative decision that makes the film even more thought provoking and unbearably gripping; we know Lucas is innocent from the very beginning.

There is no vague morality. As mass hysteria and irrationality spread over Lucas' supposed actions, we the audience are left more or less alone in his defense. The film makes the claim that some people take joy in the pain of others and even worse there are those that let these individuals dictate where the truths lies; not because there is proof but because it's convenient! Startlingly we recognize people just like this.

"The Hunt" is a scathing dissection of a society highly susceptible and even attracted to "witch hunts;" both media-induced or otherwise; boldly asking it's audience to consider which side of Lucas' plight they'd find themselves on in a real-world instance. The result is maddening, chilling and unforgettable.

Starring Mads Mikkelsen, in one of recent cinema's great performances and movies.