I was quite unsure of what film I would pick next to review here, as I had already reviewed my favourite film ever, and any subsequent film would seem underwhelming to me in comparison. September for me was a month of goodbyes as I used every free second to say goodbye to friends who were going off to university, leading the task of choosing a film to review fell lower and lower on my priorities. I decided then to review and recommend a film that I would enjoy watching right now, and a film that I hope people who are feeling similarly overwhelmed in the new academic year can find joyful respite in. That film is the wonderfully wacky film that is Taika Waititiâs Hunt for The Wilderpeople.
Hunt for The Wilderpeople is a 2016 film directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi. It follows troubled teen Ricky Baker as he is fostered by a couple who lives out in the wilderness, a strong contrast to his previous city life. This is his last opportunity to have a home, before being sent to âjuvieâ. Despite the high stakes, Ricky is sure at first this new he wonât work for him, despite his foster mother Bellaâs attempts to welcome him in. Bella is a wonderfully constructed character, warm whilst having a social ineptitude from living out of society. The idea of Rickyâs troublesome past, which is hilariously listed off by his social worker including âspittingâ, âhitting stuffâ and âdefacing stuffâ doesnât faze her. Bella is joined by Hec played by Sam Neill, who is opposite her in every way. He is cold and quiet, and appears over the hill hauling a pig on is back from the woods (or as the police officer puts it: âheâs giving that pig a piggy backâ) Hec clearly isnât as enthusiastic as Bella but he seems to go along with it to appease her. After a series of unfortunate events, Ricky runs away, and finds himself lost in the bush, and is rescued and tracked down by Hec. After a further series of misunderstandings, Ricky and Hec are on the run from the law, pursued by helicopters, incompetent hunters and Rickyâs persistent social worker Paula who repeats her very serious motto âno child left behindâ at every opportunity.
Taika Waititi has gone onto direct Thor Ragnorok and JoJo Rabbit, both amazingly funny films, which I recommend should be watched for very different reasons. I have loved every single Taika Waititi film I have seen, but I chose Hunt for The Wilderpeople over his others because firstly, as it is a film set in New Zealand and made in New Zealand, it didnât have quite the global reception that his more recent films have had. But also the amount of Kiwi accents in the film, just fills me with joy like nothing else. Also I think it truly is the most comforting film, with Thor Ragnarok being a Marvel action film and JoJo Rabbit being set in Nazi Germany, the abundance of beautiful New Zealand scenery and comparably lower stakes story, make it feel so easy and calming to watch. But maybe it is because it was the first Taika Waititi film I watched, and there is a sense of nostalgia there. I mean, film viewing is subjective. (I would also recommend Waititiâs vampire mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows, which has gone on to be adapted into a TV show)
Waititiâs films demonstrate his unique ability to look at the world in a childlike joyous way. His use of humour in this film is not filled with emotion, in fact, it feels cold sometimes, akin to the classic British sense of humour. Sometimes, it could be noted, emotional beats seem to happen with little emotional gravity. However this does not mean it is impossible to feel for the characters, even if Waititis use of emotions is rather blunt. He manages to create wonderfully unique characters, that are all different, with different personalities and motives, and very quickly it is easy to get emotionally invested as you get taken along the ride. You do not need to be taken along by the hand, and told when to feel emotional, you are treated like and adult; presented plot points and encouraged to see the joy beyond them. And, I think, in a time so hard and heavy, lightly covering emotional moments is exactly what we need. This is clear when Ricky talks in a quite matter of fact way to Hec about his friend dying, and, as an audience we canât help but feel for him, as Waititiâs masterful construction of consistent characters, allows us to feel and want the best for them. Sam Neillâs cold portrayals of Hec plays exactly into this tone, and it works wonderfully.
So if like me, youâve been having a busy month, and you want to relax with a smile on your face, and live vicariously through a wacky adventure, Hunt for The Wilderpeople is the film for you.
Please keep in mind that the rating for Hunt for The Wilderpeople is 12. Be mindful of the rating and the ages of yourself and those you are with when choosing to watch.
