🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jonathan Mostow
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 31min
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A depressed hitman and a traumatized teen go on a European road trip, occasionally shooting people and questioning their life choices while struggling with questionable accents.
🍿 The Hunter’s Prayer: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Setup: An Assignment Refused
Lucas (Sam Worthington), a skilled but drug-addicted assassin, is hired to kill Ella Hatto (Odeya Rush), the daughter of a wealthy businessman. However, haunted by his past and unable to take the life of an innocent, he defies his orders and refuses to complete the hit. This decision marks both him and Ella for death, turning them into targets.

On the Run: An Unlikely Alliance
With assassins closing in, Lucas and Ella form an uneasy alliance. They find themselves relentlessly pursued across Europe, navigating dangerous cities and relying on each other for survival. Their goal is to uncover the conspiracy behind Ella’s family’s murder and expose those responsible. As they evade their pursuers, a bond begins to form between the hardened assassin and the vulnerable young woman.

Unraveling the Conspiracy
As Lucas and Ella dig deeper, they uncover a web of corruption involving powerful figures. Richard Addison (Allen Leech), a ruthless financier, is revealed as the mastermind behind the plot. They face constant betrayal and danger as they try to gather evidence and stay one step ahead of Addison’s relentless forces. The stakes rise as they close in on the truth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Lucas (Sam Worthington): A solitary, drug-addicted assassin who unexpectedly becomes the protector of his intended target.
- Ella (Odeya Rush): A young woman who forms an uneasy alliance with the assassin hired to kill her after her family is murdered.
- Richard Addison (Allen Leech): The nefarious financier and employer of Lucas, who seeks to eliminate Ella and anyone who protects her.
- Banks (Amy Landecker): A corrupt FBI agent on Richard Addison’s payroll, aiding his illicit activities.
- Metzger (Martin Compston): Another assassin working for Richard Addison, tasked with hunting down Lucas and Ella.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Richard Addison: “What have I told you about your mother?” – Addison confronts his son, William, about speaking with his mother.
- William: “My mother’s a whore.” – William’s response to his father’s question, illustrating a dysfunctional family dynamic.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $28,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $168,789
- Worldwide Gross: $236,820
💥 The Hunter’s Prayer Reviews
Personal Review
Honestly, I went into this expecting a generic action flick, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sam Worthington really sold the conflicted assassin, and Odeya Rush held her own as the young woman he’s protecting. The scenes in Switzerland were beautiful, and the action was gritty and believable. I especially liked the part where Lucas teaches Ella to use a gun, that moment was powerful and complex. Definitely worth a watch if you’re in the mood for some thrills.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action thrillers”
- “Viewers who enjoy movies about assassins and redemption”
- “Those interested in European locations and scenery”
- “Sam Worthington fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Language”
Professional Reviews
- Nerdly: “While ‘The Hunter’s Prayer’ doesn’t break any new ground in the action-thriller genre, it provides a solid dose of entertainment. Worthington’s portrayal of a conflicted assassin is compelling, and the European locales add visual appeal. The plot may be familiar, but the film delivers enough suspense and action to keep viewers engaged.
- IMDb: “The Hunter’s Prayer is a good action movie for the most part, nothing too memorable (or special), but it is entertaining. I think Worthington makes an awesome action hero, I’d really like to see him make more movies like this.
Audience Reactions
The well-executed action sequences and Sam Worthington’s performance kept the audience engaged.: Many viewers appreciated the realistic action and the European settings, making the film visually appealing.
The unique relationship between the assassin and his target added depth to the typical action movie formula.: Viewers found the connection between Lucas and Ella compelling, highlighting the emotional aspects of the film.
Overall Consensus: A serviceable action thriller with decent performances and engaging action sequences, though it doesn’t break any new ground in the genre.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the novel ‘For the Dogs’ by Kevin Wignall.”
- “Filming locations included Yorkshire and Hungary, showcasing a range of European settings.”
- “Director Jonathan Mostow aimed to transform the generic action/road film genre by focusing on character development and relationships.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Hunter’s Prayer?
The Hunter’s Prayer is currently available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability in your region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and at major retail stores. Availability may vary depending on your location.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Hunter’s Prayer, you might like these similar films:
- The American (2010): Features a solitary assassin seeking redemption, with a focus on character introspection amidst action.
- Hanna (2011): A young woman trained as an assassin is pursued across Europe, showcasing similar themes of survival and familial revenge.
- Taken (2008): Involves a protagonist fighting against powerful enemies to protect a young woman, emphasizing action and suspense.
- The Professional (1994): A professional hitman becomes the reluctant protector of a young girl, forming an unlikely bond amidst danger and violence.
🛒 The Hunter’s Prayer Related Products
- Funko Pop! Movies: John Wick – John Wick with Dog: Bring home the action with this Funko Pop! figure featuring John Wick with his loyal dog. A perfect addition to any action movie fan’s collection. Depicts iconic character in the spirit of protector role as Sam Worthington did in The Hunter’s Prayer.
- Hitman: Agent 47 [Blu-ray]: Experience another high-octane assassin story with Hitman: Agent 47. This Blu-ray offers thrilling action and suspenseful plot twists, perfect for fans of “The Hunter’s Prayer.”
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS5): Immerse yourself in a world of assassins and thrilling adventures with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Explore vast landscapes and engage in intense combat scenarios, just like the characters in “The Hunter’s Prayer.”
- Tactical Pen with LED Flashlight & Glass Breaker: Equip yourself with this multi-functional tactical pen. Perfect for everyday use, it also features an LED flashlight and glass breaker, making it an essential tool for any adventurer, just like the protagonists in The Hunter’s Prayer.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Hunter’s Prayer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Filming took place in various locations across Europe, including Germany, Spain, Hungary and the United Kingdom, specifically in Yorkshire, England. Key scenes were shot in cities like Leeds and at Thornwick Bay Beach.
Yes, The Hunter’s Prayer is based on the novel “For the Dogs” by Kevin Wignall. The film adapts the storyline of a solitary assassin protecting a young woman from those who want her dead.
No, The Hunter’s Prayer is a standalone film. There are no sequels or prequels associated with it.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Hunter’s Prayer
Ever wonder what goes through a hunter’s mind before they head out? This funny short imagines exactly that! I chuckled, you might too.
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