Sam Neill's recent passing invites a revisit of one of his finest roles in this 2016 family film, a goofy mix of Butch and Sundance and Chaplin's The Kid. Arguably the masterpiece of writer-director Taika Waititi, who adapted Barry Crump's 1986 novel Wild Pork and Watercress, it showcases Waititi's distinctive irony and quirk—he even has a droll cameo as a wacky vicar—but wisely lets the story and performances shine.
Plot and Characters
Neill plays Hector, a grouchy old farm worker on New Zealand's North Island, below the vast Te Urewera wilderness. His big-hearted wife Bella (Rima Te Wiata) fosters troubled kids, and Hector knows she married him in the same charitable spirit. When Bella takes in Ricky (Julian Dennison), the toughest teen the state has dealt with, Hector is not pleased. Rachel House amuses as Paula, the child welfare worker on Ricky's case.
Bella cheerfully comments on Ricky's size, but the boy senses her kindness. The new family seems set to live happily, until a tragic turn forces Hector and Ricky to flee into the jungle, pursued by authorities aiming to put Ricky in juvenile detention. Bad-tempered Hector won't let bullies push them around.
Manhunt and Themes
A nationwide manhunt ensues for the odd couple, who live on instinct across tough terrain. The public, following breathless TV reports, see them as underdog heroes. Waititi undercuts sentimental moments with gags that hint Hector might seem like a child molester, and funny exchanges with Paula, who compares herself to the Terminator. Ricky insists he's the Terminator, and Paula retorts he's more like Sarah Connor from the first movie, before she could do chin-ups.
Neill gives a lovely, gentle, wise performance. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is in UK and Irish cinemas from 7 August.
