The Hunt Movie Review

9/10

One of the best depictions of a falsely accused person in film.

The Hunt takes something so innocent and manages to twist it beyond what’s comprehensible and turn it into a seriously disturbing but engaging drama. It’s a premise and execution so well thought out that I have no doubts that a scenario like this could ever happen in reality and I hope it never it does. What The Hunt reveals to you is not only a testament to the power of rumor and gossip but also to the willingness of people to believe the unimaginable, simply based on preconceived incorruptibility of an individual. It’s genuinely terrifying to watch and it warps your perception of the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”.

What I love equally about this fantastic premise and plot, is all of the acting performances, in particular of the two leads. Mads Mikkelsen shines in what I believe is arguably his best performance and whilst I loved him as the villain in Casino Royale (my favorite James Bond film to date), here he shows another side to a man who’s on the wrong end of accusations and is desperately trying to prove his innocence. He adds levels of frustration mixed with solace, that really makes me understand his characters’ motivations and exactly what he’s going through so I can empathize with his plight.

I also thought all of the child acting was great which is an aspect so many movies get wrong, especially those targeted towards children. I was glad to see that the child opposite him, Annika Wedderkopp, could hold her own against a powerhouse actor so compliments have to go to her and the director Thomas Vinterberg for casting her.

But ultimately what holds this film so highly in my views is the story. Technically it might not be the most extravagant piece of work but it doesn’t need to be. The cinematography serves the purpose of focusing on the characters emotions rather than the pretty landscapes around it and does a great job. I’m completely swept up with the journey and am willing to let it take me in new and surprising ways, all of which was a blast to watch.

I was terrified. I was empathetic. I was thoroughly engaged. The Hunt is truly thought-provoking and excellent at delivering a tense shocking drama about such a simple but also complicated subject that rarely ever gets brought up. I loved this film and I have no qualms in recommending it to you to watch, especially cause it’s also not that heard of and needs some well-deserved recognition. It’s out on Netflix in the United States so see it.