Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Last updated:
October 17, 2024

Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a heartfelt, quirky, and thoroughly enjoyable adventure-comedy that blends a tale of survival with themes of family, belonging, and rebellion against authority. Set in the rugged wilderness of New Zealand, the film is filled with humor, charm, and some unexpected emotional depth.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Ricky’s New Home

The film follows Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), a rebellious, chubby city kid who has been bounced from one foster home to another. The movie starts with Ricky being sent to live with Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and her grumpy husband Hec (Sam Neill) on their remote farm. Bella is warm and loving, while Hec is more reserved and standoffish.

Ricky is not thrilled with the idea of living in the middle of nowhere, but Bella’s kindness slowly wins him over. Their bond begins to grow, especially after she gifts him a dog named Tupac. Ricky starts to feel at home for the first time in his life.

Bella’s Death and Ricky’s Escape

However, tragedy strikes early in the film when Bella unexpectedly passes away. Hec is devastated, and Child Welfare, led by the stern officer Paula (Rachel House), plans to take Ricky back into the system. Unwilling to return to the uncertainty of foster care, Ricky fakes his death, burns down a barn (incompetently), and escapes into the bush with his dog.

Hec and Ricky: Reluctant Companions

Hec tracks Ricky down in the wilderness, but an unfortunate injury forces them to remain in the bush for a while. This kicks off an unexpected adventure where the two misfits—grumpy old Hec and naive, wannabe gangster Ricky—must rely on each other to survive.

As the pair spend more time in the wild, a manhunt is launched by the authorities, convinced that Hec has kidnapped Ricky. Over the course of the film, Ricky and Hec develop a touching bond as they evade capture, confront their pasts, and gradually form an unlikely father-son relationship.

Final Confrontation and Capture

In the final act, the duo’s freedom comes to an end in a dramatic showdown involving the police, Child Welfare, and a hilariously over-the-top chase scene. Despite their best efforts to escape, they are captured. Hec is arrested, and Ricky is sent back into the care system, though the ending offers a hopeful resolution for both characters.

Movie Ending

In the end, after serving time in prison, Hec is released and agrees to take Ricky under his care again. The two return to the wilderness, this time not as fugitives, but as friends embarking on a new chapter. The final scenes emphasize the importance of family—whether it’s the one you’re born into or the one you find along the way.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There are no post-credits scenes in Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Once the film ends, you can leave without missing any additional content. However, given the film’s warm tone, you might still want to stick around for the credits to enjoy the soundtrack and appreciate the contributions of the talented cast and crew.

Type of Movie

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a comedy-drama with elements of adventure. It blends Taika Waititi’s unique brand of humor with emotional moments, balancing absurdity and heartfelt character development.

Cast

Julian Dennison as Ricky Baker
Sam Neill as Hec Faulkner
Rima Te Wiata as Bella Faulkner
Rachel House as Paula Hall (Child Welfare Officer)
Rhys Darby as Psycho Sam

Film Music and Composer

The film’s soundtrack is composed by Lukas Nelson and features a mix of quirky, fun tracks that suit the film’s whimsical tone. Songs like “Trifecta” by Moniker and traditional Maori music bring out the adventurous and grounded spirit of the film.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot in the North Island of New Zealand, especially in the Auckland region and around the Waitakere Ranges. The lush, stunning landscapes play a crucial role in the film, not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story. The wilderness serves as both an obstacle and a sanctuary for Hec and Ricky, symbolizing freedom, isolation, and the healing power of nature.

Awards and Nominations

Hunt for the Wilderpeople was widely praised and won several awards, including:

Best Film at the New Zealand Film and TV Awards
Best Director and Best Actor (Sam Neill) at the Moet British Independent Film Awards
Nominated for the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival

Behind the Scenes Insights

Taika Waititi used his signature style of blending heartfelt drama with offbeat humor, which later became a hallmark of his other films like Thor: Ragnarok.
Sam Neill and Julian Dennison formed a strong off-screen bond during filming, mirroring their characters’ evolving relationship.
Waititi himself makes a cameo as the local priest in a darkly funny funeral scene.
The film was shot over five weeks, with much of the filming done in remote areas to capture the natural beauty of the New Zealand bush.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on the book “Wild Pork and Watercress” by Barry Crump, a famous New Zealand author. The movie takes some liberties with the original story, particularly in its humor and tone, adding Waititi’s distinctive comedic style.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No alternate endings have been reported, but some deleted scenes were cut to maintain the pacing and comedic timing. These mostly included extended dialogue scenes and minor character interactions.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is a relatively faithful adaptation of the novel Wild Pork and Watercress, though it amps up the humor and emotional beats for a broader audience. In the book, the relationship between Hec and Ricky is more understated, while Waititi’s adaptation highlights their evolving bond with more charm and wit.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Ricky’s over-the-top funeral haiku.
Hec teaching Ricky how to survive in the bush.
The high-stakes car chase finale, complete with helicopters and a tank.

Iconic Quotes

Ricky: “I didn’t choose the skuxx life, the skuxx life chose me.”
Paula: “No child left behind!”
Hec: “We’re not going to die; we’ll just go bush.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Taika Waititi’s cameo as the priest is filled with humorous dialogue, some of which was improvised.
Ricky’s dog, Tupac, is named after the famous rapper, a recurring joke about Ricky’s obsession with American pop culture.
The movie makes multiple references to The Terminator, including Ricky’s quoting of famous lines.

Trivia

Julian Dennison was only 13 years old during filming but had already worked with Waititi in a smaller role in Boy (2010).
Taika Waititi completed the entire screenplay in just six weeks.
The movie was the highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time, surpassing Waititi’s previous hit Boy.

Why Watch?

Watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople for its combination of quirky humor, touching emotional moments, and stunning New Zealand scenery. It’s a film that offers both laughs and heartfelt reflections on family and belonging. Perfect for fans of offbeat comedies that leave you feeling warm and satisfied.