The Hunter

The Hunter casts Willem Dafoe as Martin David, a mercenary who travels to Australia to hopefully find and kill a presumed extinct tiger for a shady client – with the film detailing Martin’s ongoing efforts at both tracking the creature and dealing with the locals (including the family with whom he’s staying). Filmmaker Daniel Nettheim has infused The Hunter with an almost extraordinarily low-key sensibility that’s reflected most keenly in its slow-moving pace, with the continuous emphasis on the protagonist’s subdued (and solo) exploits ensuring that the film is rarely as engrossing or captivating as one might’ve hoped. There’s little doubt, however, that Nettheim does manage to sustain the viewer’s interest throughout, with the striking scenery and Dafoe’s expectedly engaging performance going a long way towards perpetuating the amiable atmosphere. And though there’s certainly something inherently fascinating about Martin’s meticulous efforts at tracking a creature that may or may not exist, The Hunter is often at its best when focused on the central character’s encounters with the aforementioned family – with, in particular, Martin’s dealings with the two small kids infusing the proceedings with an undercurrent of irresistible lightheartedness (eg the scene in which the kids attempt to bathe with Martin is alone worth the price of admission). The inclusion of a few last-minute twists, as well as an unexpectedly enthralling action sequence, finally cements The Hunter‘s place as a perfectly watchable piece of work, with the almost incongruously uplifting conclusion ensuring that the movie ends on an unexpectedly feel-good note.

**1/2 out of ****