I just walked out of 'Hunting Season' and my heart is still pounding a bit, honestly. The final twenty minutes had me gripping my armrest so tight I think I left nail marks. I wasn't expecting to feel this tense on a Tuesday afternoon! What's sticking with me is that quiet, unsettling dread the movie builds so well—the feeling that danger is just lurking in the trees, even in the calm moments. It's more than just an action flick; it left me thinking about how far a parent would go, which is a heavy thought to carry out into the parking lot.
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What's Hunting Season About?
The movie follows a survivalist named Jack, played by Mel Gibson, living off-grid with his daughter. Their isolated life is shattered when they pull a wounded woman from the river. This act of mercy drags them into a brutal conflict with a ruthless criminal, turning their wilderness sanctuary into a deadly hunting ground. It's a classic setup of good people forced into extreme violence, but the execution feels raw and personal.
What Works in Hunting Season
- ✓ Mel Gibson's performance is a masterclass in grizzled, reluctant intensity. You feel every ounce of his weary resolve and buried rage.
- ✓ The cinematography is stunning. The forest isn't just a backdrop; it's a character, feeling both beautiful and deeply threatening.
- ✓ The pacing is tight. At 93 minutes, it doesn't waste a second—the tension builds from the first scene and never really lets up.
- ✓ Shelley Hennig, as the mysterious woman, brings a fantastic, unpredictable energy that keeps you guessing about her motives.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The third act gets a bit predictable. Once the final confrontation starts, it follows a familiar action movie blueprint.
- ✗ Some of the dialogue, especially for the villains, can feel a little clichéd. Jordi Mollà does his best, but the writing lets him down at times.
- ✗ A.J. Buckley's character, a local deputy, feels underdeveloped. He's there mostly to move the plot along, which is a shame.
Standout Moments & Performances
Two scenes are burned into my brain. First, the initial rescue from the river. It's shot in this gray, rainy haze, and the silence is broken only by the rushing water. You just know this simple act is going to ruin their lives, and the dread is palpable. Later, there's a home invasion sequence that is brutally efficient. It's not overly gory, but the suddenness and the raw panic in Sofia Hublitz's performance as the daughter made me hold my breath. Director Raja Collins knows how to make violence feel shocking and consequential, not cool.
Main Cast: Mel Gibson, Shelley Hennig, Jordi Mollà, Sofia Hublitz, A.J. Buckley
Direction, Music & Visuals
Raja Collins directs with a confident, lean style. The camera work is fantastic—lots of handheld shots that make you feel like you're stumbling through the woods right alongside them. The sound design is a star; every crack of a twig and rustle of leaves had me looking over my shoulder in the theater. The score is minimal but effective, using low drones to amplify the anxiety. Performance-wise, Gibson is the anchor, but the real surprise was Sofia Hublitz. She portrays fear and resilience so authentically, she completely sells the father-daughter dynamic that the whole story hinges on.
Director: Raja Collins
Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller
Who Should Watch Hunting Season?
If you're a fan of tense, survivalist thrillers like 'The Edge' or 'First Blood', this is right up your alley. It's perfect for viewers who want a straightforward, well-crafted action drama that prioritizes atmosphere and tension over complex plotting. Fans of Mel Gibson's later-career, gritty roles will also find a lot to enjoy here.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a light, fun action movie or something with deep philosophical themes, you might want to skip this. It's a grim, straightforward story about violence begetting violence, and it doesn't offer much in the way of levity or surprise.
Final Verdict
Honestly, I enjoyed it. It's a solid, B-movie thriller that knows exactly what it is and delivers on its promise. It won't change your life, but it will absolutely hold your attention for its tight runtime. The strong central performances and the immersive, tense atmosphere make it worth the price of a ticket. I wouldn't necessarily watch it again soon, but I'd definitely recommend it to a friend who's in the mood for a good, gritty suspense story. It does its job very well.
