Directed by: Taika Waititi
Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison and Rima Te Wiata
Runtime: 101 minutes
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a hilarious New Zealand comedy that matches a fantastic cast and script with a breath-taking location. Directed, written and co-produced by Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows; Thor: Ragnarok) who has had a varied career, no one could have predicted what Wilderpeople would involve, and it doesn’t disappoint.
In Wilderpeople, love can be found in the unlikeliest of places. This is seen in the growing bond between a troubled orphan, Ricky (Julian Dennison) and his gruff adoptive uncle, Hec (Sam Neill). The film is based on Wild Pork and Watercress, a novel by Barry Crump, who cameos as a camera-wielding tourist. The film revolves around 13 year-old Ricky who has one last chance at being adopted with an older couple who live in near isolation close to the New Zealand bush. Due to some misunderstandings and a bizarre series of events Ricky and Uncle Hec must survive in the bush while being the target of a national manhunt.
Wilderpeople takes full advantage of the beautiful New Zealand landscape by treating the audience to gorgeous panoramic shots, a tasteful backdrop for the adventures of the film’s quirky, charismatic characters. Notable minor players include social worker Paula whose personal mantra is “no child left behind,” as well as the bizarre, tin-hat wearing Psycho Sam, who helps the wandering duo while rattling off conspiracy theories concerning the New Zealand rugby team.
The adoptive child and lonely foster parent is a classic narrative but with Wilderpeople, this heartwarming adventure is enhanced by a believable relationship at the film’s core, while tired clichés are sidestepped. Rather, Waititi choses to pay homage to classic films, from buddy comedies to outlaw thrillers. Thelma and Louise’s car chase, with its accompanying music, is referenced and even a sequence that looks sneakily similar to Rambo makes an appearance.
Sam Neill plays Uncle Hec to perfection with his noncommittal grunts. His gruff exterior is slowly chipped away by Ricky’s clever, if strange, use of haiku. Julian Dennison’s Ricky, however, is the opposite of Hec in every way, defined by his search to become the ultimate “gangster,” along with his dog TuPac. His portrayal of a character who could have easily been another annoying teenager is instead made endearing, and funny throughout. Both play off one another to great success and make for a pair worth watching for hours.
The chemistry between the characters and clever script makes for a laugh-out-loud comedy that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Using the stunning location to enhance the already fantastic feature, the vast ridges of the New Zealand bush gives the film that something special.
In a nutshell: Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a quirky, hilarious comedy that is both clever and heartfelt, and navigates deftly around cliché-filled waters.
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