Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Critics Consensus

The charmingly offbeat Hunt for the Wilderpeople unites a solid cast, a talented filmmaker, and a poignant, funny, deeply affecting message.

96%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 193

91%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 24,354
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Movie Info

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family. Equal parts road comedy and rousing adventure story, director Taika Waititi (WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, upcoming THOR: RAGNORAK) masterfully weaves lively humor with emotionally honest performances by Sam Neill and Julian Dennison. A hilarious, touching crowd-pleaser, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE reminds us about the journey that growing up is (at any age) and those who help us along the way.
  • Rating:
    NR (for thematic elements including violent content, and for some language)
  • Genre:
    Action & Adventure, Comedy
  • Directed By:
    Taika Waititi
  • Written By:
    Taika Waititi
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $5,202,582
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Piki Films

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Cast

Julian Dennison
as Ricky Baker
Sam Neill
as Uncle Hec
Rima Te Wiata
as Aunt Bella
Rachel House
as Paula
Oscar Kightley
as Andy
Rhys Darby
as Psycho Sam
Stan Walker
as Ron
Cohen Holloway
as Hugh
Mike Minogue
as Joe
Troy Kingi
as T.K.
Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne
as Kahu
Taika Waititi
as Minister
Hamish Parkinson
as Gavin
Stu Giles
as Sick Man
Lloyd Scott
as Tourist
Selina Woulfe
as Organ Player
Mabelle Dennison
as Church Lady
Sonia Spyve
as Court Lawyer
Timothy Herbert
as Court Lawyer
John Campbell
Mihingarangi Forbes
Nadine Chalmers Ross
Sam Wallace
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News & Interviews for Hunt for the Wilderpeople

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Critic Reviews for Hunt for the Wilderpeople

All Critics (193) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (186) | Rotten (7)

View All Critic Reviews (193)

Audience Reviews for Hunt for the Wilderpeople

  • Jun 11, 2018
    "Sh*t just got real." This is a wonderful coming of age story as well as a story about how the bond between two males, one old and grief stricken, the other young and shut down, find healing in each other's company. The best kind of independent film. I can't recommend this too highly.
    Morris N Super Reviewer
  • Apr 24, 2017
    http://cinephilecrocodile.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/hunt-for-thewilderpeople-dir-taika.html
    Anthony L Super Reviewer
  • Mar 22, 2017
    Hip, self-aware, and self-effacing, here is the "orphan kid finds a home" Disney wishes she could make. Heat up the popcorn time!
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jan 28, 2017
    Two great performances and a lot of very funny moments, but the story runs out of steam before the end.
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
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