Watch The Hunter

The Hunter is a 2011 dramatic thriller directed by Daniel Nettheim and starring Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, and Morgan Davies. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Julia Leigh. The story follows Martin David (Dafoe), a skilled and ruthless mercenary who is hired by a biotech company to track down the last surviving Tasmanian tiger, a species believed to be extinct. David travels to Tasmania, where he sets up base in a remote cabin owned by Lucy Armstrong (Frances O'Connor), a grieving widow who is struggling to raise her two young children.

As David embarks on his mission, he quickly realizes that the task will not be easy, as the natural wilderness of Tasmania is vast and unpredictable. He also encounters hostility from local loggers, who view him as a threat to their way of life. Despite the challenges, David perseveres, gradually immersing himself in the natural environment as he tracks down the elusive tiger.

Along the way, David becomes close to Lucy's children, Sass (Morgana Davies) and Bike (Finn Woodlock), who are intrigued by the stranger in their midst. Sass, in particular, is an intelligent and resourceful girl who sees through David's tough exterior and uncovers his vulnerabilities. David also forms a bond with Jack Mindy (Neill), a local scientist who has been researching the Tasmanian tiger and becomes involved in David's quest.

As David's hunt for the tiger progresses, he begins to uncover secrets about the biotech company and their motives for wanting the animal. He also finds himself drawn deeper into the lives of Lucy and her family, confronting his own loneliness and sense of purpose. The film builds to a tense and emotional climax, as David's loyalties are tested and he is forced to make a difficult choice.

The Hunter is a visually stunning film that captures the rugged beauty of Tasmania's wilderness. The performances are excellent, with Dafoe conveying the intensity and detachment of his character, while also revealing glimpses of his inner life. O'Connor and Neill also bring depth and nuance to their roles, and the child actors are natural and engaging.

At its heart, The Hunter is a poignant exploration of loss and redemption, as David grapples with his own demons while trying to save a species from extinction. The film raises important questions about the ethics of scientific experimentation and the value of preserving endangered animals. While it may not appeal to all audiences, The Hunter is a thought-provoking and compelling drama that deserves to be seen.

The Hunter is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 63.