The Hunt

Films about adults molesting children are rarely the easiest sell, or the most appealing to audiences. It’s the kind of subject matter for a film that we are happy to see them pass us by and to be honest, few would argue against it. Some people would rank it up there with torture porn or mid-nineties romantic comedies as far as a genre or central plot point that will keep them from sitting down for two hours and risk being shocked and offended. However, every now and then, a film with a nasty and potentially controversial topic comes along that is handled delicately and with such intelligence that you are compelled to give it your time and attention.

The Hunt tells the story of a teacher, Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen), who works in a kindergarten and is accused of exposing himself to a young girl, his best friends daughter. This isn’t a spoiler, as this occurs very early on and is the basis for the whole flilm. I will avoid any form of spoiler, as while this film is more character based than plot, the story deserves to be preserved for your own judgment.

This film has two great strengths, the first is its cast, led by the previously mentioned Mikkelsen and secondly, the thoughts it leaves with you long after the credits have rolled.

Lets start with Mikkelsen, who appears in almost every scene of the film, he perfectly captures the fall of a man who was well liked and respected in a town, to being cast out and abandoned by everyone he knows. Only his family show him any real support, leaving him isolated and broken down. Lesser actors would have over played the pain and suffering, but Mikkelsen mixes the pain and anger with a sense of disbelief, a sense of confusion. As if he can’t really believe or comprehend what is unfolding before him.

How we would react to these accusations would all be very different, but in The Hunt, it is the reaction of the other citizens that is the most shocking, but arguably the most accurate, considering what is reported to happen to the homes of people on the sex offenders list (I am not 100% sure on the official name of this list).

Some of the questions this film asks the viewer would illicit very different responses, were they put in the position of the people of the town, or the parents of the young girl. How much stock would you put in the words of your child? How much you believe the protestations of your best friend? How much proof is enough? And, what would you do?

Put forward as Denmark’s entry for this years Oscars in the Foreign Film category, an award I hope it wins, as not only is it the best foreign film I have seen this year, but it is so far, one of the best films I have seen this year.

Yes, the subject matter is grim, but if you are willing to go with the film and follow Lucas, you are in for one the best stories you will experience this year.