This was supposed to be one of the premium horror films of 2019 from Blumhouse, Jason Blum’s production company, to whom we owe Paranormal Activity, American Nightmare, Happy Birthdead, Insidious and Invisible Man. And yet, this stunning feature film was denied a theatrical release.
This adaptation of the story The most dangerous game Published in 1924 by Richard Connelly (The Most Dangerous Game, the original version), it was written by Damon Lindelof and Nick Cousy (the duo who worked on Watchmen and The Leftovers) and directed by Craig Zobel.
Even before its theatrical release in late September 2019, The Hunt was criticized by several conservatives, with some seeing this modern version of Count Zaroff’s Hunt as a political metaphor for the Democrats, assimilated. Elites preying on Republicans represented by rednecks.
Among the film’s early detractors was a certain Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, who at the time believed he was “It is dangerous to release this type of film in the country”.
Controversy surrounding The Hunt gained even greater momentum following the August 2019 murders in Gilroy, California, El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, which left 35 dead and 52 injured.
The mass murders that are common in the United States always arise from criticism of movies and video games, which are – wrongly – seen as engines of violence. Universal then stopped communicating around the film and then pulled it from its programming schedule until the following year.
Except, unfortunately, the world is experiencing an unprecedented health crisis with the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, and the theatrical release of The Hunt has simply been canceled in the United States, as in France.
However, a new trailer was produced for the film, with the final cut remaining unchanged, but the distributor chose to opt for a VOD release of the feature before theaters reopened, where the film would receive a limited release.
In France, the feature film will be in cinemas for a while once it opens in June, but has not achieved the success it deserves. An intelligent carnage game, The Hunt still impresses with its grotesque and unbridled violence.
This gruesome feature film explores live ammunition across America, its norms and excesses, resulting in an enjoyable, deliciously gruesome and perfectly terrifying thriller. This kill fest oscillates between well-crafted satire and gory fun for surprising but successful results.
The Hunt is also worth noting for the brilliant performance of Betty Gilpin, Ultra Badass, and the rest of the flawless casting between Hilary Swank, Emma Roberts and Justin Hartley. So if you missed it, it’s time to catch up on Netflix, but hurry because it’s leaving the catalog on December 21st.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
