If you pride yourself on being “left,” or “right,” The Hunt will be as offensive as it is gratifying.
The Hunt (2020) Synopsis
Eleven unrelated Americans wake up to find themselves gagged and in the wilderness. They then discover a large crate full of weapons, following which they are immediately attacked by unseen assailants. As numerous captives are killed, it becomes increasingly obvious that they are the victims of Manorgate. In this vile game, Americans from different states are kidnapped and thrown together. All for the awful purpose of a modern human hunt.
Snappy Review
In case you’ve already read other reviews for The Hunt, and is appalled by me rating it 4 out of 5 stars, hold your shotguns! Don’t shoot! Let me explain …
Firstly, I was really looking forward to this in March, The Most Dangerous Game has long been one of my favourite stories. (Ahem) Regrettably, Singapore’s semi-lockdown measures subsequently kicked in, the cinemas closed, and I more or less assumed The Hunt wouldn’t be screened here. Was I thrilled earlier in the week to discover it’s on after all! I bought my ticket immediately.
Secondly, as an Asian Chinese and one not living in the PRC, well, American cultural and socio-political differences baffle me. SORRY! Not that I don’t understand what they are all about, but the intensity of the divide and the hatred involved often astound me. With all due respect, the real-life rhetoric involved is to me, often more brutal than gore shown in any movie too. This in turn contributed to The Hunt “speaking to me,” to put it in a florid way. I found the absurd story biting and deeply unforgiving, and insightful. I found it hilarious too. And thus the 4 out of 5 stars rating, and me begging for you to hold your shotguns …
I shouldn’t say more, least I get caught in a volley of bullets! To summarize, as a visually over-the-top satire, I enjoyed The Hunt. Enough for me to ignore all plot weaknesses too.
Before ending, allow me to highlight the performance by Betty Gilpin. I haven’t watched much of her but her versatility in Isn’t It Romantic deeply impressed me. Sure enough, she’s an entirely different monster this time round, her deadpan sarcasm and lethalness every bit the life of the show. Goodness, I wonder what it would be like to be up against her in an actual escape game! She will win the Hunger Games hands down too!
Read my other Snappy Movie Reviews.
