Betty Gilpin’s smart and badass character Crystal is my favourite thing about director Craig Zobel’s The Hunt; the most controversial near release of 2019.

Also starring Hilary Swank, Justin Hartley and Emma Roberts; Zobel’s story centres around twelve strangers who get kidnapped for the specific purpose of being hunted.

The Hunt‘s original 2019 release date was cancelled because following the launch of the trailer, America was unfortunately having to deal with another mass shooting. Additional complaints also came to light about the movie’s presumed controversial politics, concerning the relationship between the left and right.

I do remember the filmmakers being happy to delay the movie’s release. Having now watched it, I can see why they insisted that The Hunt isn’t as problematic, premise and politics-wise, as many were assuming. Any talk of politics in the movie is mainly amusing. The real fun begins as we start learning more and more about Gilpin’s Crystal.

The Hunt isn’t the kind of movie to get top marks for story or all-around great acting, where one or two earlier characters are concerned. But that doesn’t mean I won’t watch it again. For me, there’s simply too much fun to be had with Crystal.

Watch it if you’re curious.

Happy Film Loving,

G