[Jagten] The Hunt (Thomas Vinterberg, 2012) Review

Spoiler Warning: This discussion features some important narrative information that could spoil the text for you. It does not necessarily spell out the film’s conclusion, but it does talk about events in detail.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

"The world is full of evil, but if we hold on to each other, it goes away."

Thomas Vinterberg’s The Hunt has always come highly recommended and remained at the top of my to-watch list for some time. That was until today as I squirmed my way through the 116-minute runtime on offer here. This is truly an uncomfortable watch, but it toes the line on a subject matter so difficult to get tonally correct that you can’t help but come away loving it.

The absolute MVP of the film is Mads Mikkelsen, who more than ever proves his position as one of the greatest actors working today. The role is remarkably difficult, a man wrongly accused of child abuse, attempting to prove his innocence. Yet, Mikkelsen never misses a step, making it look like a walk in the park. Without him, this movie isn’t half as good as it is. The supporting cast is a band of Vinterberg regulars, Bo Larsen and Ranthe, the most notable, but all reliable when called upon. Wedderkopp, as Klara, was also excellent; it’s a child performance that could so easily have fallen apart. However, she performs way beyond her years and nails one of the most vital roles in the entire film.

Vinterberg puts in a lot of work here, too. He has to make it clear through his visual storytelling that there is no doubt Mikkelsen’s Lucas is innocent from the get-go. It’s a bold narrative device, one that could leave you high and dry, should the tension not keep your heart pumping out your chest. He has a more relaxed approach with his actors, with scenes and complete performances that do not feel regimented, instead somewhat free-flowing. Perhaps my favourite of his touches is the final sequence which marks quite the allegory for the thematic importance of the entire text. Regardless of the intent, the closing images feel entirely different from the rest of the film, with an ethereal orange tone cast over the whole setting; something never feels quite right as the final moments would go on to prove.

The Hunt is a fantastic film, one that I am delighted I finally got to see. There’s an interesting social commentary on the surface pertaining to guilt and the idea of guilt. The narrative reveals all in the opening act and still manages to stir discomfort whenever it desires. It’s an impressive feat and, as if I wasn’t already, has me dying to catch Another Round the moment the opportunity safely arises.

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