Hunt For the Wilderpeople - (film review)

Who doesn’t love a great love story? Sure, it’s parental love, but that’s what makes this film refreshing. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (directed by Taika Waititi, What We Do In the Shadows) is a little gem of a movie from New Zealand packed with adventure, clever humor, unexpected turns, and emotional moments with a love-conquers-all appeal.

Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), a twelve-year old wannabe gangster, with his imaginary friend, Tupac, arrives at his final foster home before juvie, where he’ll be looked after by Bella (Rima Te Waita) who is overjoyed to receive him and Hec (Sam Neill) who is decidedly not. His new home is located on a vast, rolling acreage at the start of the bush wilderness with nothing around for miles. (New Zealand’s jagged and surreal beauty is prominently featured throughout the film which is a winning bonus.)

Ricky’s case officer, Paula (Rachel House) hands him over to Bella with a sinister warning, “This one’s a real bad egg”, which his new foster mother shrugs off, as she takes him inside for lunch. That night, Ricky runs away, but Bella cheerfully locates the child and lures him back with the promise of pancakes and sausages. “Have some breakfast…then you can run away.” Bella wins Ricky’s trust through honesty, understanding, shooting lessons, and a nice hot water bottle to warm his bed each night. It’s the little things, right? Ricky’s inner-city gangster act coupled with the rigors of dealing with real life on a farm, which includes pig slaughter, makes for some highly entertaining contrast.

A sudden twist causes Ricky’s world to unravel. A notice from Child Welfare Services declares that they’re coming to collect Ricky, and Hec says it’s for the best, so Ricky decides to make a run for it into the woods, where he is quickly disoriented. Hec arrives to collect him, but severely injures his ankle, which forces the pair to spend six weeks in the bush together until he’s well enough to walk again. Due to appearing to have run from Child Welfare Services, Paula has declared them fugitives, armed and extremely dangerous, and a nationwide manhunt ensues. Hec who only went along with the whole foster kid thing to make Bella happy is thrust into the role of being a father, which he never wanted any part of.

The end result? Fabulousness. We’re given a uniquely entertaining story that hasn’t been done before. Hec and Ricky click on screen, volleying jocular jabs with remarkable chemistry and comedic timing.

The director doesn’t shy away from the reality of life and death, or the harsh truths surrounding children who are shuffled around and lost in the foster care system. However, Waititi’s compassionate filmmaking and the ever-present sprinkling of deadpan wit keep heavy moments from feeling too dark. The film refrains from judging and never portrays Ricky as the “real bad egg”. In the end, we see a grizzled old man turn into a parent and a wannabe gangster blossom and conquer his fears. This film plays to our emotions, not stereotypes, which is nothing short of majestical.

Watch it on Hulu now.