Review of The Hunt (2013) by Jason T — 23 May 2014

Mads Mikkelsen shows a different set of skills in "The Hunt". Viewers familiar with just "Casino Royale" and the television show "Hannibal" will be amazed at what he is able to pull off here in such a difficult role. You see the downward spiral of a man who loses almost everything he cares about; his job, family, friends, safety. His turmoil is manifest in his eyes more than any specific scene of dialogue. We know he is innocent, and we feel outraged for him. This is a modern day witch hunt, all the more poignant knowing that the accused is totally innocent.

I was totally angry how almost everyone in this community seemed to go from rational to absolutely sure of the crime committed seemingly overnight. This is compounded by an initial "interview" of the accuser where the most leading questions are asked by an obviously inept, yet confident, interrogator. At first I though this was due to poor filmmaking choices but now I wonder if it isn't all too realistic. Who wouldn't error on the side of extreme caution to protect their children?

However, the line, "Children don't lie" rings extremely false to anyone who has been around children for any length of time. Lying is something children learn to do naturally, for it is in our nature to self-preserve at the expense of others. Children are no different. The two highlights of the film are one at a grocery store and another at a church, where Lucas makes a final confrontation and plea to the father of the accuser. All of his anger, rage, fear, and loss of self come to the surface here, and the truth is finally realized by Theo his friend is innocent. Even when Lucas is accepted by his community, the film makes no bones about what the new "normal" will now be like for him. He will always be looking over his shoulder for the next lynch mob. And in a community that so values hunting it is quite disturbing indeed. Grade: B+.