Hunted (2022)

When a group of young burglars attempt to rob the estate of a wealthy family, they find that the feat that they are attempting to accomplish will not go as smoothly as planned. As the group is captured and transported far from civilization, they know that they haven’t only failed, but they have put themselves in a dangerous situation. The group of four will now be Hunted by the owners of the estate, and as time passes, survival seems less and less likely. They know what’s at risk–but do they have what it takes to survive?

Four burglars, four incredibly different personalities. Chaz (Malachi Pullar-Latchman), Vix (Hannah Traylen), Leon (Nobuse Jnr), and Tod (Ross Coles) all play pivotal roles in the development of the story and the series of emotions that exist throughout. Interestingly enough each of these four characters play a different part of the human psyche, effectively breaking the mind into smaller, more accessible parts that viewers everywhere will be able to comprehend. They are certainly dynamic, and they possess important meaning throughout their performances–and if they are given the right attention, they have the potential to mean so much to viewers. Love, hate, passion, innocence, and more are represented throughout Hunted from these four characters alone.

Opposite these four individuals exist the estate owners, and simply put, they represent psychopathy–a struggle within the mind. The journey through Hunted is wild, and on the surface the content is, to a degree, silly–but the depth of each and every character adds to the film, giving it new meaning. The writing, as bloody and ballistic as it can be, is beautiful–it’s inviting and honest, and it’s everything that viewers need to appreciate the film. With all of that, the personalities can’t shine, the messages can’t be received, and Hunted can’t find success if not for the actors–and they are more than effective throughout.

The acting is well done, but there’s one person in particular that manages to steal the show. Pullar-Latchman’s acting abilities are stellar, and they shine brightly throughout the course of Hunted. He finds ways to connect with viewers unlike anyone else in the film. Everyone else is talented, and they convey emotion; and, even better, they bring their characters to life vibrantly. Pullar-Latchman, however, so perfectly embodies the ideas of innocence, passion, and honesty–and he is the most integral part of the entire film.

Finally we have the setting. The beautiful landscapes are a juxtapositional puzzle piece that allows Hunted to flow, to make sense, and to remain even-keeled enough as not to overwhelm viewers. All of the horrific events that occur throughout Hunted take place in a rural suburbia–a place where many might be able to find solace from the troubles of the real world. While that’s certainly ironic in regard to the contents of the film, it does play a pivotal role of reminding viewers of the positives that exist in the world–even through tragedy. It certainly does its job, and the film is able to flourish, in part, as a result of this aspect.

A film about theft and murder shouldn’t be this beautiful, not emotionally or aesthetically, but Hunted makes it so anyway. From the brilliant development of these characters to the riveting landscapes, beauty continues to shine through the tragedies that exist on screen. I’m so impressed by what these actors bring to the table, and even more impressed by the fact that Hunted so effectively explores the human psyche in a way that’s completely accessible. While the story itself may not be appealing to the masses, what Director Tommy Boulding and his team create is socially and emotionally relevant to all.

Directed by Tommy Boulding.

Written by Ray Bogdonavich & Dean Lines.

Starring Samantha Bond, Malachi Pullar-Latchman, James Lance, Hannah Traylen, Nick Moran, James Faulkner, Larry Lamb, Nobuse Jnr, Ross Coles, etc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10