The Hunt (2020) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“The Hunt” (2020), directed by Craig Zobel, is a satirical action-horror film that delves into the divide between political ideologies and the chaos of unchecked power. From the outset, this Blumhouse production stirred controversy with its premise of elites hunting ordinary people for sport, but the film goes deeper than the surface-level violence, offering biting social commentary. In this review, we’ll examine the plot, performances, and where to stream or rent The Hunt online, particularly in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Deadly Game of Survival
The Hunt opens with twelve strangers waking up in a remote forest, gagged, confused, and unaware of how they got there. They soon discover that they are the prey in a twisted, high-stakes game orchestrated by a group of wealthy elites. The “hunters,” led by the mysterious Athena (Hilary Swank), take pleasure in tracking and killing their human prey, who they view as expendable, backward “deplorables.”
As the hunted group is eliminated one by one, one person stands out: Crystal Creasey (Betty Gilpin), a resourceful and highly skilled woman who quickly turns the tables on her captors. Unlike the others, Crystal is calm and calculated, determined to survive and fight back against her would-be killers. What follows is a violent, satirical thriller that tackles themes of political polarization, class warfare, and the absurdity of extreme ideologies.
Performances: Betty Gilpin Steals the Show
While The Hunt features a notable ensemble cast, it’s Betty Gilpin who delivers a standout performance. As Crystal, Gilpin portrays a quiet, intense, and resourceful woman who remains unfazed by the chaos around her. Her character’s calm demeanor, coupled with her sudden bursts of violence, makes Crystal both unpredictable and fascinating to watch. Gilpin’s performance elevates the film, grounding the absurdity of the plot with a sense of real danger and determination.
- Hilary Swank as Athena is the face of the elite hunters, playing her role with a mixture of cold detachment and hidden fury. Swank brings gravitas to the film’s antagonist, but she doesn’t appear until later in the movie, making her presence a slow burn until the final showdown with Gilpin’s Crystal.
- The supporting cast includes a range of familiar faces, such as Emma Roberts, Ike Barinholtz, and Justin Hartley, but many of these actors appear only briefly, serving as early victims in the deadly game. The film’s focus remains squarely on Crystal and her methodical takedown of the hunters.
Direction and Cinematography: High-Octane Action with Satirical Edge
Craig Zobel directs The Hunt with a clear vision, combining fast-paced action with moments of dark humor and biting satire. The film is a brutal and gory affair, with plenty of stylized violence, but it never takes itself too seriously. Zobel balances the carnage with absurd, almost cartoonish moments that serve as social commentary on the nature of political extremism and elitism.
The cinematography by Darran Tiernan captures the intensity of the hunt, with close-quarters combat scenes and wide shots of the remote wilderness. The contrast between the serene natural setting and the brutal violence heightens the absurdity of the situation. The film’s pacing is quick, with little time for exposition, keeping viewers on edge throughout its 90-minute runtime.
Themes: Political Satire and Social Commentary
Beneath its surface as a violent thriller, The Hunt is a sharp satire that takes aim at political polarization in America. The film deliberately caricatures both sides of the political spectrum — the liberal elites are portrayed as out-of-touch and arrogant, while the conservative “deplorables” are depicted as rugged individuals fighting for survival. However, the film doesn’t take a clear stance on which side is right or wrong; instead, it critiques the absurdity and extremism on both ends of the political spectrum.
The concept of hunting people for sport is not new, having been explored in films like The Most Dangerous Game (1932) and Battle Royale (2000), but The Hunt sets itself apart by using this premise to reflect on class and power dynamics. The elite hunters see themselves as morally superior, justifying their actions as a form of social justice. Meanwhile, the film highlights the helplessness of the hunted, who are merely pawns in a game they didn’t choose to participate in.
By the film’s end, the audience is left questioning the nature of the game itself: who is truly the villain? Is it the elites who manipulate the system, or the society that allows such extremes to exist?
Critique: Controversy and Missed Opportunities
Despite its strong performances and satirical edge, The Hunt faced controversy even before its release, particularly due to its depiction of politically motivated violence. The film was delayed after mass shootings in the U.S., and some critics and audiences viewed its premise as insensitive. However, those who approached the film with an understanding of its satirical intentions found it to be a bold, if imperfect, commentary on contemporary political culture.
One area where the film stumbles is its reliance on stereotypes. While the satire is intentional, some of the characters — particularly the early victims — feel underdeveloped and exist purely to be cannon fodder. This lack of depth prevents the film from achieving the emotional resonance of other satirical horror films like Get Out (2017). Additionally, the film’s ending, while action-packed, doesn’t fully resolve the larger questions it raises about morality and ideology.
Where to Watch The Hunt Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching The Hunt, here are the platforms where you can stream or rent the film online in the U.S.:
1. Amazon Prime Video
The Hunt is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it in HD on multiple devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers the film for rental or purchase. It’s a convenient option for Apple users who want to stream the movie on their iPhones, iPads, or Apple TV devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV has The Hunt available for rent or purchase. You can watch it on Android devices, smart TVs, or through a web browser.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers the film for rental and purchase. It’s available in HD, making it another option for viewers who want to watch the movie on a variety of devices.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies also has The Hunt for rent or purchase, allowing viewers to watch it on multiple devices.
Why You Should Watch The Hunt
The Hunt is not your typical horror-thriller. While it delivers plenty of action and gore, it also provides a sharp critique of political extremism and societal divisions. Betty Gilpin’s standout performance makes it worth the watch, especially for fans of action-packed films with a satirical edge.
If you enjoy films like The Purge or Ready or Not, where the violence serves as a backdrop for a larger social commentary, The Hunt will likely be a thrilling, thought-provoking experience. The film’s combination of dark humor, brutal action, and political satire ensures that it leaves a lasting impression, even if some of its messaging is heavy-handed.
Final Thoughts
The Hunt (2020) is a satirical and brutal thriller that tackles the absurdities of political division and class warfare. With a strong lead performance by Betty Gilpin and direction by Craig Zobel, the film delivers both thrills and laughs while making a statement about the dangers of extreme ideologies. Although it faced controversy and divisive reactions, the film stands out for its bold premise and willingness to tackle timely issues. Whether you’re watching on Amazon, Apple TV, or Vudu, The Hunt is a fast-paced and engaging film that’s sure to spark conversation.
