Hunt for The Wilder People

In the depths of rural New Zealand, Ricky Baker meets his new foster parents Bella and Hec for the first time. Described as “a real bad egg”, we discover that Ricky has run out of foster parents and no one else wants him. Initially deciding upon escape, Ricky grows into liking his stay with Aunty Bella and curmudgeonly Uncle Hec, but fate has other plans for the young gangster in his new outback home…

Anyone familiar with Taika Waititi’s excellent ‘Eagle vs Shark’ and ‘What We Do In Shadows’ will know what a deft touch ‘Thor: Ragnarok’s’ director has for comedy. None more so is this the case, than in this unassuming gem of a movie.

…is a film to return to again and again.

Combining both heart, beautiful scenery, genuinely affecting performances, memorable lines and star turns from all concerned, ‘Hunt For The Wilder People’ is a film to return to again and again. Like the equally charming ‘Son of Rambow’, this film’s comedy is cut from a genteel cloth with a hint of steel underpinning each character’s decisions that make them both believable and endearing at the same time.

In the main roles of Ricky (a real discovery in young Julian Dennison) and Hec (the ever dependable and always watchable Sam Neill), ‘Hunt for The Wilder People’ has a comedy pairing for the ages. Perfectly judged between the dramatic and comedic, their melting glacier-like relationship is the kernel to this delicious comedy. With guest cameos from Rhys Darby and director Taika Waititi as a priest to rival Rowan Atkinson’s from ‘Four Weddings and A Funeral’, the remaining cast are equally superb in creating a heartwarming comedy that will live long in your memory and be your new, first recommendation to other film friends when you meet them.

The New Zealand jungle just got gangster and how. If you like your comedy offbeat, rooted in reality and delivered with real heart, you should start your ‘Hunt for The Wilder People’ now. You won’t be disappointed.