Hunt for the Wilderpeople Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy old man and a rebellious foster kid accidentally become New Zealand’s most wanted fugitives because of a misunderstanding involving burnt barns and a whole lot of bush.

🍿 Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ricky’s Arrival and Bella’s Kindness

Ricky Baker, a troubled youth, is placed with Bella and Hec Faulkner in rural New Zealand. Bella warmly embraces Ricky, offering him a loving home. She provides stability and affection, something Ricky hasn’t experienced before. He starts to settle into life on the farm, finding comfort in Bella’s nurturing nature. Hec remains distant and gruff, skeptical of Ricky’s ability to adapt. He is a man of few words and prefers the solitude of the wilderness. Despite his reluctance, Hec gradually tolerates Ricky’s presence, though he doesn’t actively participate in his upbringing.

Tragedy Strikes and the Run Begins

Bella’s sudden death throws Ricky’s world into turmoil. The authorities plan to remove Ricky and place him back into the foster care system. Fearing a return to his old life, Ricky flees into the vast New Zealand bush. Hec reluctantly follows Ricky, driven by a sense of responsibility, and perhaps a growing attachment to the boy. An accident leaves Hec injured, forcing them to rely on each other for survival. This marks the beginning of their unexpected journey together, turning them into fugitives.

A National Manhunt and Growing Bond

Rumors and misunderstandings lead to a national manhunt for Hec and Ricky. They are falsely accused of abduction and other crimes, forcing them deeper into the wilderness. The media sensationalizes their story, turning them into folk heroes and outlaws. As they evade capture, Hec and Ricky forge a strong bond. They learn to depend on each other, sharing their vulnerabilities and experiences. Their relationship evolves from reluctant companionship to a genuine father-son dynamic, marked by humor, hardship, and mutual respect.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hec (Sam Neill): A gruff, reclusive bushman who becomes an unlikely father figure while on the run with Ricky.
• Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison): A rebellious and overweight foster kid who finds belonging in the wilderness with Hec.
• Bella Faulkner (Rima Te Wiata): A kind and loving foster mother who provides Ricky with a sense of family and belonging.
• Paula Hall (Rachel House): A determined and somewhat zealous child welfare worker who relentlessly pursues Hec and Ricky.
• Kahu (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne): A young girl Ricky meets in the bush, who offers him a safe haven and friendship.
• Psycho Sam (Rhys Darby): An eccentric conspiracy theorist living in the bush who offers Hec and Ricky temporary shelter.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ricky: “Life is good. I like my new foster parents. They are good eggs.” – Ricky expresses his initial contentment in his new foster home in a social worker’s report.
• Paula: “No child left behind.” – Social worker Paula Hall’s mantra, showcasing her unwavering dedication (or obsession) with Ricky’s case.
• Ricky: “Skuxx Life.” – Ricky’s catchphrase, representing his aspirations for a rebellious and independent lifestyle.
• Hec: “Me and this fat kid, we ran, we ate, and read books, and it was the best.” – Hec’s haiku, encapsulating their time in the bush and the unlikely bond they formed.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.5M
• Domestic Gross: $5,205,468
• Worldwide Gross: $38,560,308

💥 Hunt for the Wilderpeople Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie. It’s the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll. The quirky humor mixed with the genuine emotion really got to me. There’s a scene where Hec and Ricky are sitting by the campfire, and you can just feel their connection growing. It’s moments like that that made this movie so special for me. I felt like I was right there with them in the New Zealand bush, sharing their adventure.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Taika Waititi’s other films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky humor and heartwarming stories”
  • “Families looking for an enjoyable and thought-provoking movie”
  • “Those interested in New Zealand culture and landscapes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some scenes of animal hunting”
  • “Themes of loss and grief”
  • “Brief references to child abandonment”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Taika Waititi blends quirky humor with genuine heart, crafting a wildly entertaining and surprisingly poignant adventure through the New Zealand wilderness.
• The Guardian: “A charming, funny, and surprisingly moving film that showcases the beauty of New Zealand and the universal need for belonging. Sam Neill and Julian Dennison deliver outstanding performances.
• Empire: “Taika Waititi’s best film to date, ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ is hilarious, heartwarming and visually stunning, a true gem of New Zealand cinema.

Audience Reactions

The film’s unique blend of humor and heart captivated audiences.: Viewers praised the film for its charming characters, stunning scenery, and heartwarming story.

The unexpected friendship between Hec and Ricky resonated deeply with audiences.: Many viewers found the relationship between the grumpy Hec and the rebellious Ricky to be the highlight of the film.

Overall Consensus: Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a critically acclaimed and audience-adored film that offers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and adventure set against the backdrop of the stunning New Zealand wilderness.

Awards

1. New Zealand Film Award (Best Film)- 2016
2. New Zealand Film Award (Best Director)- 2016
3. New Zealand Film Award (Best Screenplay)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1986 novel “Wild Pork and Watercress” by New Zealand author Barry Crump.”
• “Taika Waititi makes a cameo appearance as a minister.”
• “The film was the first local feature to gross more than NZ$1 million in its opening weekend at the New Zealand box office.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services or for physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hunt for the Wilderpeople, you might like these similar films:

• Captain Fantastic (2016): Explores themes of unconventional family and living outside societal norms, with a focus on self-sufficiency and wilderness survival.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Features a quirky and dysfunctional family on a road trip, highlighting the importance of acceptance and support.
• Paddington (2014): Like Ricky Baker, Paddington is an outsider who finds an unconventional family and must navigate the complexities of a new life while retaining his unique charm.
• Boy (2010): Another Taika Waititi film that explores themes of childhood, family, and growing up in New Zealand with a unique blend of humor and heart.

🛒 Hunt for the Wilderpeople Related Products

• Hunt for the Wilderpeople [Blu-ray]: Experience the heartwarming adventure in stunning high definition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. A must-own for fans of the film.
• Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump: Read the original novel that inspired the movie, offering a deeper dive into the characters and story. Perfect for literary fans and those who want to explore the source material.
• New Zealand Wilderness Adventure Tour: Embark on a guided tour of the stunning New Zealand wilderness featured in the film. Hike through lush forests, explore hidden waterfalls, and experience the beauty of the Southern Alps.
• Funko Pop! Taika Waititi: Add a Taika Waititi Funko Pop! to your collection and celebrate the genius behind ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’. A perfect gift for movie buffs and pop culture enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hunt for the Wilderpeople features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Makutekahu” – performed by Lukasz Pawel Buda, Samuel Scott, and Conrad Wedde
• “Aniwaniwa” – performed by Dalvanius Prime
• “Poi E” – performed by Dalvanius Prime and the Patea Maori Club

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Terminating in Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Get ready to chuckle as this hilarious clip from ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ showcases the unlikely bond between a grumpy old man and a rebellious city kid on the run.

✨ Rate