Toxic Views and Survival: a Critical Look

Read Time:3 Minute, 32 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hunt Club
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Genre: Action, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 2h 8m
Director(s): Elizabeth Blake-Thomas
Writer(s): David Lipper, John Saunders
Cast: Mena Suvari, Casper Van Dien, Will Peltz, Maya Stojan, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Belkin
Where To Watch: available now in the UK on digital

RAVING REVIEW: HUNT CLUB takes us on a wild journey that turns the familiar action thriller genre on its head. Elizabeth Blake-Thomas directs a narrative that transforms a well-worn survival game into a vibrant examination of gender dynamics and the more concerning aspects of the male psyche.

Picture a secluded island where the wealthy and arrogant play a perverse hunting game with women as prey. It's here that Mena Suvari's character, Cassandra, finds herself. This strong-willed mother, faced with a harrowing experience, becomes an unexpected participant in this savage pastime. Alongside Tessa (Maya Stojan), she navigates a twisted path that leads her to Carter (Casper Van Dien) and his son, Jackson (Will Peltz). The dynamics shift, and the hunter becomes the hunted in a thrilling turn of events.

I read this from another review and was shocked. As I’m not a woman, I won’t speak about this depth, but I didn’t see this as a result. I could see what was being aimed at, but it sometimes felt demeaning. “HUNT CLUB attempts to resonate with contemporary socio-political vibrations, echoing the voices of the #MeToo movement. It's not a gratuitous celebration of violence but a stark response, channeling the terrifying reality that many women face.”

The cast is full of well-known names, including Suvari and Van Dien, who struggle to elevate the story beyond what the dialogue is. Their characters possess layers that go beyond simple archetypes. The film's core strength is the profound look at toxic views and survival instincts, seen through both Carter's belief system and Cassandra's determination.

Still, not all is smooth in HUNT CLUB's execution. Dialogue and character interaction must be addressed, especially during the film's initial stages. Constraints on intensity and authenticity in some action sequences may have been affected by budget, and a subplot seems disconnected.

The portrayal of Carter's group of hunters offers a grim look at exaggerated masculinity. There's depth as we delve into the relationship between Carter and his son, navigating a complex clash between inherited toxic traits and the awakening of personal consciousness. Jackson's transformation from innocence to understanding is an underplayed but captivating aspect of the film. HUNT CLUB shines a spotlight on misogyny and objectification, juxtaposing these elements with a powerful tale of revenge.

In closing, HUNT CLUB is a thriller and a socially relevant exploration of modern societal issues. It's a tale that entertains and challenges, and despite occasional missteps in direction and action, it emerges as a significant entry within its genre. HUNT CLUB remains in your thoughts, a mirror reflecting the ongoing struggles of everyday life. A thriller that cuts deep leaves a chilling resonance, daring viewers to confront their shadows long after the credits have rolled.

#HuntClub

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[photo courtesy of PLAION PICTURES]

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