‘Hunting Daze’ Review | A Sharp & Unpredictable Thriller

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In the harsh wilderness of Canada, a feisty young woman finds herself in distress and is saved by a band of rugged men holed up at a secluded cabin during Hunting Season. This chilling setup soars to unsettling extremes as the plot delves into a shocking narrative filled with unexpected turns. Viewers will be gripped by the screen, as the movie navigates a knife’s edge of suspense while intensifying thought-provoking themes such as group dynamics, power structures, and ethical dilemmas. The tale brims with eccentricity as excessive drug abuse and heavy drinking induce peculiar dream sequences that leave audiences scratching their heads.

In an agitated stance against a rocky outcrop, Nina (Nahéma Ricci) debates heatedly with her stranded peers. Their vehicle has unexpectedly run out of fuel in the vast expanse of nowhere. In desperation, she contacts Kevin (Frédéric Millaire-Zouvi), an acquaintance met a few days prior, seeking assistance. He arrives at the group’s location with a gas container, yet it becomes evident that Nina is no longer invited to travel with them. Attempting to negotiate a ride from Kevin, she hints subtly, but he must attend elsewhere. With no other means of transportation for days, Nina finds herself stranded in this remote wilderness until a bus can take her back to civilization.

Nina’s Initiation

At a woodland cabin, Kevin brings along Nina – a girl he met in questionable circumstances – for his friend LP’s (Alexandre Landry) bachelor party hunting trip organized by his friends. Already intoxicated and boisterous, they are surprised by her presence and fear she might disrupt their revelries. Bernard (Bruno Marcil), the dominant figure among them, proposes a vote to decide if Nina can stay, setting up an essential decision-making mechanism that significantly impacts the wild narrative that unfolds.

Nina, who feels completely at ease among unfamiliar men, appreciates their assistance but makes it clear that she’ll depart if they cross a line. Bernard proudly introduces a fresh addition to the wolf pack. They abide by nature’s laws. There’s no such thing as free meals. If Nina hopes to dine, she’ll need to learn how to hunt.

In her debut film, Quebec director Annick Blanc shows boldness. Within seconds of the opening scene, Nina is portrayed as a tough character, but her circumstances are clearly dangerous. She finds herself in the company of men who behave like rowdy fraternity members, with no cell service available in their location, potentially putting her at risk of harm or assault. The director subtly hints at this possibility throughout the movie, as Nina actively participates in their immature antics, trying to fit in. Drinking beer and using hallucinogens are essential steps in what seems like an initiation process for her. If she fails to prove herself among these men, she risks encountering uncertain repercussions.

Just One of the Guys

Nina’s success in the competitions is closely tied to her assertive nature. Her exceptional performance consistently surpasses group expectations. This not only provides insights into individual personalities and their dynamics, but also underscores the camaraderie between them, as they are longtime friends and companions on this hunting expedition, which serves as a celebration of their bond. A woman who couldn’t keep up with the group would have disrupted the positive atmosphere, which was not an option in this context. However, it doesn’t imply ill intentions; they might simply have chosen to leave her behind to seek help, but she was perceived as a non-disruptive presence rather than a negative distraction.

In Hunting Daze, another unexpected turn of events disrupts the previous situation drastically. Nina, initially the only outsider, undergoes a transformation in her role within the group, gaining more influence over time. Blanc alters the hierarchy to provide Nina an opportunity to demonstrate her leadership. The men acknowledge her courage and see her as someone worthy of command. However, this growing bond among them also brings about a heavy cost as a catastrophic predicament arises, forcing difficult decisions.

‘Hunting Daze’ Gets Psychedelic & Silly

In Nina’s case, her distressing dreams start merging with her everyday life as the psychedelic adventures of the group increasingly dominate the storyline. There’s no enchantment in these mushrooms, yet when things go awry, the story takes an absurd turn towards its climax. It’s plausible that negative consequences can occur under drug influence, but the way the characters find themselves in this specific predicament seems implausible and over-the-top.

The climax strains credibility too much by overloading it with improbable events. Blanc might have benefited from limiting her narrative to a single chance meeting, as the accumulation of coincidences in this remote setting is hardly plausible. It’s tough to accept that numerous individuals in such an isolated forest are consistently encountering contrived difficulties.

The graphic depiction in “Hunting Daze” includes scenes of animals being hunted, butchered, and skinned with an unsettling enthusiasm by Blanc. This artwork graphically portrays the violent, bloodthirsty aspect of hunting for sustenance, as well as its symbolic connotations. The character of Nina carries a sexual undertone that requires caution in discussing without revealing spoilers; however, it plays a crucial role in the storyline. Despite personal opinions, viewers will find the conclusion unexpected. Originally titled “Jour de Chasse,” this French film offers dialogues in French with English subtitles. It is set to be released digitally and on demand by Midi la Nuit productions on January 14th.

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2025-01-14 01:03