fri 04/10/2024

LFF 2012: The Hunt | reviews, news & interviews

LFF 2012: The Hunt

LFF 2012: The Hunt

In Thomas Vinterberg’s blistering drama a fog of doubt sweeps through a small town

A 'raw cinematic force': Mads Mikkelsen in 'The Hunt'

Featuring a towering, Cannes-award-winning performance from Mads Mikkelsen, The Hunt (Jagten) is a humane and horrifying story of the power of accusation from Danish director Thomas Vinterberg (Festen).

Mikkelsen plays Lucas, a kindergarten teacher in a Danish village. Though he’s a natural with the kids and is popular and connected locally, he’s a taciturn, somewhat enigmatic figure whose recent divorce has left him alone and missing his son. When his best friend’s tiny daughter Klara (Annika Wedderkopp) develops a crush on him, his rejection of her causes her to blurt out the most damaging of lies - that he has abused her. To add catastrophic insult, the school’s principal Grethe (Susse Wold) mishandles the matter spectacularly, resulting in a presumption of guilt and even the suggestion that other children have been targeted.

The Hunt highlights the vulnerability of those in the teaching profession to such accusations. It’s a prosaic horror story which puts a small community under a stark microscope. This is a modern day witch-hunt, presented as if it could happen anywhere. Vinterberg's film gets plenty of mileage out of the guilelessness of the catalyst Klara – making a focus of her uncomprehending face, and out of Lucas’ dignity in the face of extreme provocation. There’s never any doubt that he is an innocent man; in fact we are shown quite clearly how the idea formed in Klara’s mind. The Hunt’s strength lies in the potency of the injustice, and the raw cinematic force of Mikkelsen.

Follow @EmmaSimmonds on Twitter

The Hunt’s strength lies in the potency of the injustice

rating

Editor Rating: 
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)

Share this article

Comments

I agree, a truly moving film. It's one of those ones that makes you want to scream at the screen! Very compelling. I thought the cinematography was wonderful as well and really added to the mood. My must see film of the year!

The power of accusation and the 'no smoke without fire' way of thinking are put under the microscope in this film in a very moving way. I thought Mikkelsen played the part perfectly. Also the cinematography was outstanding. A truly great film.

Add comment

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters