The Hunt

2012, 15, Directed by Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm

It has almost been two decades since Thomas Vinterberg's Dogme-entry Festen was unveiled upon an unsuspecting world. But now with the Danish director returning to the radar in the UK (for the first time since 2004's Dear Wendy), he has recaptured his directorial flair through crafting another genuinely mesmerising picture about the issue of child abuse. The Hunt is little-less than flawless in its abilities at depicting what occurs when a popular male nursery school teacher is falsely accused of sexual misconduct due to one little girl's casual accusation. Making an impossible situation all the more worse, that same girl is the daughter of his best pal. Casino Royale’s Mads Mikkelsen takes this challenging role, delivering a Cannes-winning performance that deserves every future accolade laid upon him. As Lucas, he manages to deeply solidify his innocence to such an extent that the close-knit town's reactionary ambush of someone they once loved makes for painful viewing; initially surprised at hearing the accusation has been made, the unjust actions that follow prove to Lucas that this isn't something that can simply be brushed under the table in time for tea. 

Once you are invested into what The Hunt is all about, the way is paved for certain standout scenes to stop the heart - most notably, scenes in which Lucas visits the local supermarket, or attends Christmas Eve mass. Not only do these scenes stop the heart, they come close to breaking it. Cards are laid on the table from the offset - there is no doubt, no twists, no rug-pulling; this is a likable guy who has fallen victim to a false accusation that cannot be ignored and, as enduring time proves, will never be forgotten. The Hunt, hugely relevant due to recent news, is terrifying. Raising questions that will linger in your memory for some time after, the way in which Vinterberg depicts these gruelling events to a backdrop of autumnal bleakness is just one of the countless reasons you should hunt down this immersive character study. 

4.5/5