I appreciate those who read my reviews on my blog at https://www.msbreviews.com—I’m writing this from Portugal, and it’s worth noting that the release of *The Hunt* was delayed after a tragic shooting in the United States due to its sensitive subject matter. I felt frustrated then because movies often seem to be affected by real-world events, and part of the appeal of going to the cinema is escaping those problems for a while. It's difficult for me to accept these constant controversies surrounding films. However, I believe that delay ultimately improved *The Hunt*, making its satirical story even more impactful now. There’s no avoiding it: Craig Zobel’s movie is destined to be one of the most polarizing films in recent years. It’s like a stand-up comedy routine with dark humor; if you're comfortable with jokes about racism, stereotypes, immigration, refugees, religion, politics, and every sensitive topic imaginable, then you'll find *The Hunt* to be a clever commentary on society's most extreme individuals. But if such topics bother you, this film isn’t for you—Damon Lindelof and Nick Cuse really push the boundaries! When I say that every potentially sensitive subject is addressed without restraint, I mean absolutely everything. The narrative is packed with exaggerated clichés and stereotypes representing both sides of the political spectrum. Initially, *The Hunters* appear to be the villains, hunting innocent people for amusement. But once you understand why these individuals were chosen, a significant thought enters your mind: “the world would probably be a better place without people like this.” Suddenly, it’s hard to care about any of the characters. I don't mean caring in an emotional sense; they aren't written to elicit sympathy. In fact, most (perhaps with the exception of Betty Gilpin’s character) are unlikeable human beings, their perspectives clouded by outdated ideologies. What I appreciate is how the screenwriters use each character to exemplify a specific type of extreme personality. One of the best compliments I can offer is that the film doesn't take sides; everyone gets mocked. It's a darkly humorous satire of modern society, with a particular focus on those who spread conspiracy theories and immoral beliefs online. Everything I’ve mentioned so far reflects the movie’s effect on viewers: you either appreciate this kind of writing or you won’t. It’s likely to appear on many “Worst Movies of 2020” lists simply because of its provocative nature. However, it's not just the story that might deter some viewers. The actual hunt is as over-the-top as everything else—there’s blood everywhere, incredibly disgusting deaths, and no limits to how people can be killed in a wildly entertaining way. In terms of action sequences, *The Hunt* is better filmed than many blockbuster movies, featuring stunning wide shots during explosions, exceptionally long (and hilarious) choreography for the final fight, and excellent editing overall. The soundtrack is also quite good. Of course, it’s easy to find flaws in this film; every point I've made can be interpreted as a negative aspect depending on your perspective. Personally, I think the ending would have been stronger with a more serious tone, but that might clash with the pervasive satire, making it difficult to get just right. The cast is uneven—some performances are rather bland—but Betty Gilpin delivers an outstanding performance and carries the film effectively. Finally, there’s a subplot involving military characters who aren't aligned with either side of *The Hunt* that didn’t quite work for me. Overall, *The Hunt* is a brilliantly dark satire on contemporary political views. It’s designed to be one of the most divisive films of recent years, and it succeeds in its mission. Like dark humor, it's an acquired taste: you either enjoy it or you don't. If you can’t tolerate jokes about extremely sensitive topics (and I mean every single one), then avoid this movie or you'll be upset for days. However, if you appreciate that kind of comedy, *The Hunt* is the most entertaining, witty, hilarious, bloody, and over-the-top action thriller you’ll see in a long time. Damon Lindelof and Nick Cuse hold nothing back, and they don't shy away from any subject. It’s a well-made film across the board: well-written, well-produced, and well-filmed. A few minor issues with its ending and a small subplot don’t diminish Craig Zobel's exceptionally captivating concept and Betty Gilpin's compelling performance. I recommend it depending on your enjoyment of dark humor. P.S. Everyone knows the story about the rabbit and the turtle, right? *The Hunt*'s version of that tale has become my new favorite. Rating: A-

Source on TMDB