Review by Chris Rennirt
It is almost amazing that a movie about warring conservatives and liberals would be made during such volatile political times. Perhaps now, as things are worse than ever, such a movie wouldn’t be made; perhaps a bit earlier was just the right time. And it was earlier in 2020 that just such a movie was made–The Hunt.
What’s it all about? A group of pissed off liberals drug and transport a group 12 of offending conservatives to a remote area of the countryside, in Arkansas (or, so we’re told), to hunt and kill them…in the worst, most brutal ways! The prey, all hand selected for their partisan actions, guarantee the worst of revenge. It’s bloody, gory, explosive, dismembering…and even disemboweling. Yes! These butthurt “snowflakes” are fueled by hate enough to motivate murderers in a dozen other movies. But, if all of that worked according to plan, would we have a plot worth producing? Probably not.
“For the record, climate change is real, a**hole.” ~ Pop
I admit that, when the movie was first released, I was not interested in seeing it, not one bit. I assumed that it was likely biased toward one side or the other, and more likely toward liberals, since it was coming from Hollywood. (In the spirit of the movie, I’m I just followed the stereotype.) The Hunt is, however, surprisingly “fair and balanced,” poking fun at gender neutrals and unisex advocates alike, truly on “both sides of the aisle.”
A gagged (but not bound) victim, known only as “Yoga Pants” And, The Hunt has begun!
The Hunt is actually one of the most violent movies, with the highest body count of any I’ve seen in years. However, the violence is easy to dismiss, becoming less impactful, exactly because it’s so far over the top; with this, it becomes more humorous than serious, making it, instead, a most effective and ironic comedy. Heads explode, bodies are impaled and blown in half, an eye is gouged and pulled out (with the heel of a shoe), and heads are driven over and crushed in acts of impulsive and gleefully-executed overkill. Entrails are even seen hanging from a body torn in half…while the victim seems not to feel the pain…even cracking a “snowflake” joke. Awesome, right?
“I am crazy. But I know I’m crazy. And if you know you’re crazy, then you’re not crazy. So that just makes me really, really mad.” ~ Athena
One violent scene in particular is absolutely hilarious, and probably worth the price of the whole bluray–so much so that I rewound it at least five times to watch it again. Without giving away too much, I’ll just say that it involves the movie’s star conservative, a car, some strong biceps, and the most cleverly-choreographed close-quarters kick I’ve seen in any film, ever. And just when you thought that couldn’t be followed up with anything more surprising, you’re wrong. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the scene already; if not, you have a treat to see. Trust me!
Arch badass Crystal (Betty Gilpin) is no snowflake, with or without a gun, in The Hunt
What makes the movie stand out as one to see again, instead of one to forget is the performance of the eventual main character and protagonist/antagonist Betty Gilpin (as Crystal). Some roles in movies seem that they could have been played just as well by at least several (if not countless) others. Not the role of Crystal! Betty Gilpin, with her understated yet outstanding portrayal of Crystal is irreplaceable. With deadpan tone and poker-face deception, followed by kick-ass action unexpected, Gilpin makes Crystal a joy to watch and the star of every scene. In a genre film where much is predictable, the actions of Crystal are not; she consistently distracts us from the movie’s lesser, forgivable shortcomings.
“Never give up. Just keep crawling forward, and you can overcome just about anything.” ~ Crystal
Of course, Hilary Swank, as Athena, the most pissed off the liberals with an ax to grind (and conservatives to hunt), is a most formidable antagonist/heroine herself–depending on your political orientation, of course. Although Athena’s face is not seen until later in the movie, and only her voice is heard much thereafter, she makes a powerful show eventually, making up for it. It is odd how withholding view of Athena’s face (which we know is Swank) is somehow suspenseful; but it is. While I can’t say that Swank was as much of a dead ringer for Athena (as Gilpin was for Crystal), I can say that no other actor could have played her part any better. What is most predictable about The Hunt, as a cliché of the genre, is in the inevitable showdown that occurs. If it wasn’t so obvious so soon, I’d almost call this a spoiler. In any case, using the words of our current Commander in Chief, politically correct for a political parody, “Come on, man! Give me a break.”
Athena (Hilary Swank) and Crystal (Betty Gilpin) in a fight to the death, in The Hunt
One interesting, albeit unexpected statement the movie makes is that even liberals love guns. Yes! In a role reversal to surprise, we see liberals, when they get angry enough, are as happy as ammo-hoarding doomsday preppers to aim a gun, fire it, and kill those they oppose. As the group initiating gun violence–yes, using real “weapons of war”–it’s so unexpected that it seems intentionally ironic…and maybe it is. Whether a purposeful statement or pretentious joke, it helps balance the battlefield and soften the stereotypes, putting the shoe (or, I should say, combat boot) on the other foot.
“I’m playing an Arab refugee, but I identify as white. I think that’s problematic too, in some way.” ~ Crisis Mike
Snowflakes beware! Progressive tree huggers, and pro-abortionists alike face off against America-first lovers of fossil fuels and the constitution (as it is written). An over-the-top splatterfest of political punch lines awaits. Lover’s of fair and balanced parody will savor this mean-spirited albeit hilarious look at politics gone wild–be it a fantasy for now, or a future reality. In The Hunt, everyone is welcome, everyone is fair game, and “equity” in death is guaranteed for all. “Give me gender neutrality, or give me death” is the motto, and the sign reads “Only designated people may be hunted.” Will anyone survive? Thank God it’s just a movie! “Amen…and a-woman too.” ~ Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, January 3, 2021
Rocket Rating – 8.5
Chris Rennirt (the author of this review) is a movie critic and writer in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as editor in chief at Space Jockey Reviews. He has been a judge at many film festivals, including Macabre Faire Film Festival and Crimson Screen Film Fest, and he attends horror and sci-fi conventions often. Chris’ movie reviews, articles, and interviews are published regularly on Space Jockey Reviews and in Effective Magazine. His mission statement (describing his goals as a movie critic and philosophy for review writing) can be found on the “Mission” page, here at SJR. For more information about Chris Rennirt (including contact details, publicity photos, and more), click here.
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