Kiwi Coming of Age Dramedy "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"

Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows troublemaking orphan Ricky Baker (played by Julian Dennison) as he's shipped off from the city to live in the New Zealand countryside with a new foster couple. Warming quickly to caring Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and curmudgeonly Hec (Sam Neill), Ricky finally finds happiness with his new family.

But when unfortunate circumstances arise that threaten to take Ricky away, he and Hec go on the lam from the law and into the unforgiving wilderness. Misunderstandings lead Hec to become wanted for kidnapping Ricky. The pair have to find common ground together in order to survive not only the bush and the police, but each other.


It's a feel good film that carries a message of love and family, regardless of circumstances. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is the rare kind of coming of age tale that isn't really made anymore, much like '80s fare The Goonies. It's appropriate enough for younger audiences, but doesn't talk down them, and very entertaining for adults as well.

Tonally the film is balanced with it's comedy and drama. Waititi's script is populated with quirky characters and funny bits of well delivered dialogue. It's silly, heartfelt, and at times a touch sad. Also present is a bit of a unique visual flair in cinematography and editing, which is put to fun use particularly in montage sequences.

The performances all around are great. Relative newcomer Julian Dennison did a wonderful job of carrying the film along with veteran Sam Neill. They played off one another and really provided the heart of the movie. Rima Te Wiata, who I had previously seen and loved in the Kiwi horror comedy Housebound, had a short but sweet role as Bella.

But a special shoutout to Rhys Darby, who may have played the absolute funniest character in Hunt for the Wilderpeople. While he hasn't got a whole lot of screen time Darby really makes every second count as Psycho Sam. With a name like that I'm sure you can just imagine.

The gorgeous country of New Zealand is also showcased in this film. The setting plays an integral part, both in it's natural beauty and harshness. Which was, in the words of Sam Neill's character Hec, just downright "majestical."

Although What We Do in the Shadows remains my favourite from director Taika Waititi, I definitely enjoyed Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Watching him stretch and grow as a filmmaker but retain his comedic sensibility is satisfying. It certainly as made me excited, albeit still a bit nervous, as he takes the helm for Thor: Ragnarok.