‘The Python Hunt’ Review: One Invasive Species Pursues Another in a Quirky Doc About Snake-Chasing Florida Tourists

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In the underappreciated comedy series on Peacock titled Killing It, the struggling main character (Craig Robinson) finds himself in a tight spot financially, so he enters a python-hunting competition situated in the Florida Everglades as an unconventional means to fund his startup company. Across two seasons, viewers witness a series of humorous and educational encounters with reptiles, along with a sharp commentary on the current state of the American Dream.

The viewership for “Killing It” was relatively limited – it seems more likely that Peacock didn’t actively cancel the show but rather overlooked it – so when Xander Robin releases his new documentary, “The Python Hunt”, people won’t automatically say, “Oh! It’s just like a real-life ‘Killing It’!” instead.

In “The Python Hunt,” the narrative strands exhibit an unwieldy and unpredictable nature, much like the elusive Burmese python. Consequently, the documentary fails to achieve a completely coherent and satisfying structure. Nevertheless, it offers a thrilling and largely compassionate exploration into the depths of American psyche, comparable to venturing deep into a swamp.

In recent years, it’s been reported that Burmese pythons have been rapidly expanding their habitat in the Florida Everglades, causing the extinction of several native species. The state of Florida has attempted various surface-level strategies to eliminate these snakes. One such approach is the organization or encouragement of events like the Florida Python Challenge. For a minimal registration fee, both beginners and experienced individuals can participate in this 10-day event where they traverse swamps in an attempt to capture the most and largest pythons. The individual who catches the most and largest python will receive a $10,000 grand prize.

This contest is an ideal subject for a documentary due to its visually stunning element – the cinematography team of David Bolen and Matt Clegg capture breathtakingly beautiful and eerie nighttime shots. Plus, it features a unique cast with high personal stakes, making it more compelling than usual competitions like spelling bees or physical contests.

82-year-old Anne is grieving the loss of her spouse. Instead, she’s eager to fulfill her unusual mission: to capture a python and end its life by piercing it with a knife. In pursuit of this peculiar objective often referred to as “pithing,” which Anne finds fascinating, she has sought assistance from local guide Toby, a man who loves chewing tobacco and proudly claims to be an eighth-generation resident of Florida.

For Richard, a San Francisco-based science instructor, the upcoming contest serves as both a mini-vacation and a unique gathering of experiences. Armed with a modest supply of essentials, his goal is to surpass his performance from the previous year, where he unfortunately captured no pythons.

Among the other competitors are Madison, an appealing former Marine, as well as a multi-generational family who appear to excel due to their evident dedication to matters beyond starring in a documentary.

Here are individuals classified into two groups: the outsiders and the locals. The outsiders, being invasive species themselves, are met with a distinct perspective by the natives. Among the locals, there’s Jimbo, who initially dismisses the spectacle but later finds solace in python-catching as an opportunity to bond with his daughter, Shannon. Soon, Jimbo will uncover some disconcerting facts regarding the python issue, leading him to reassess his entire connection with Florida.

Among the creators, you’ll find Lance Oppenheim, whose HBO docuseries “Ren Faire” was one of the major hits in nonfiction television last year, serving as a potential blueprint for “The Python Hunt.” Time and again, my issue with “The Python Hunt” wasn’t the content presented within its 91-minute span, but rather elements that felt underdeveloped or hurried. Burmese pythons seldom take on more than they can handle, but in this case, the filmmakers have bitten off more than they could comfortably process in a 90-minute movie, not to mention what could be covered adequately in a four-to-six hour television series.

Jimbo’s narrative is a blend of heartfelt father-daughter moments and sluggish investigative work, as he gradually uncovers evidence suggesting that the pythons might be merely symbols of deeper issues plaguing the Glades. The insights he gains are captivating and crucial, yet they often fail to align with the tales spun by outsiders who are frantically searching for ‘periscoping’ snakes amidst the foliage.

In the potential film narrative, Anne, portrayed by June Squibb, carries a profound emotional depth in her storyline. She’s a widow on a unique quest – puncturing snakes to mend her own heart – yet she spends more time voicing concerns than actively hunting. Her character serves as our initial introduction to Toby, a man with a straw hat and an imposing physique who initially seems like a stereotypical Florida Man. However, he proves to be a columnist for the local newspaper, revealing his inner poetic spirit. He’s the most captivating character in the documentary, but we frequently return to characters like Richard, who may not be intriguing but does possess mushrooms.

During its thrilling, high-octane climaxes, “The Python Hunt” shares similarities with an episode of “Cops”, but featuring characters you can genuinely cheer on and antagonists you can equally support, if you find your antagonists to be slippery and lifeless. It leaves you pondering that this could make for an engaging long-running TV show. And as for “Killing It”, it’s currently available for streaming on Peacock.

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2025-03-11 01:26