Trailer
Review
In the dense, unforgiving wilderness of 'Hunting Season,' director Raja Collins crafts a lean, mean thriller that proves survival stories still have sharp teeth. The film follows reclusive survivalist Jack (Mel Gibson) and his pragmatic daughter, Anna (Sofia Hublitz), whose isolated life is shattered when they pull a gravely wounded woman, Elena (Shelley Hennig), from a raging river. This act of mercy unwittingly entangles them in a brutal feud with a relentless criminal kingpin, Vargas (Jordi Mollà), forcing a desperate fight for survival that tests their skills, morals, and bond. Collins paces the 93-minute runtime like a predator on the hunt, wasting little time before plunging the characters into escalating peril. The film's greatest strength lies in its atmospheric tension; the wilderness is a character itself, both a sanctuary and a treacherous trap. Gibson delivers a grizzled, compelling performance, portraying Jack's hardened exterior and flickers of paternal protectiveness with convincing grit. Hennig is effectively enigmatic as the catalyst, while Mollà chews scenery with villainous gusto. The action is brutal and practical, favoring tense standoffs and gritty close-quarters combat over glossy spectacle. However, the plot occasionally treads familiar ground in the revenge-thriller genre, and some character motivations feel sketched rather than fully fleshed out. Despite these minor flaws, the film's relentless pace and strong central performances ensure it remains gripping from start to finish.
Pros
- ✓Atmospheric tension and effective use of the wilderness setting as a key narrative element
- ✓Strong, grounded lead performance from Mel Gibson that anchors the film's emotional core
- ✓Lean, brisk pacing and well-executed, practical action sequences that feel visceral and high-stakes
Cons
- ✗Plot follows some familiar genre tropes without significant innovation
- ✗Secondary character backstories and motivations could have been developed more deeply
'Hunting Season' is a solid, engrossing B-movie thriller that delivers exactly what it promises: tense survival action anchored by a veteran performance. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it executes its formula with skill and conviction. The dynamic between Gibson and Hublitz provides a believable emotional anchor, and the film's commitment to a gritty, practical tone makes the stakes feel real. While it may not linger long in the memory due to its conventional narrative arc, it is a thoroughly competent and engaging watch for its duration. For viewers seeking a well-made, no-frills action thriller with a compelling setting and a reliable star turn, 'Hunting Season' is a worthwhile expedition. It earns a confident recommendation for fans of the genre, offering 93 minutes of taut suspense and satisfying catharsis.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of gritty survival thrillers and mid-budget action films, viewers who appreciate Mel Gibson's later-career performances, and audiences looking for a straightforward, tense cinematic experience.
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's standout element is its potent atmosphere. The cinematography captures the isolating beauty and inherent danger of the wilderness, making it a perfect backdrop for the life-or-death struggle. This, combined with Mel Gibson's commanding, world-weary presence, elevates the material beyond its simple premise.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents strong filmmaking that deserves your attention.
