No wonder “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” has been recently crowned the most popular homegrown movie ever released in New Zealand. This film is Kiwi down to its bones.
Based on a novel by writer Barry Crump, directed by comedian Taika Waititi, and starring Sam Neill — New Zealand icons all — “Wilderpeople” conjures up a familiar Down Under blend of outdoor action, high whimsy, and off-the-wall comedy.
In the perfectly timed opening scene, the authorities arrive at a remote farm to deliver sullen orphan Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) to his new foster care. He’s warmly welcomed by good-hearted Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and gruffly tolerated by her older husband, Hec (Neill).
As the story develops, Hec must take Ricky under his wing, which in this case means heading off into the thick forest and living off the land. Hec is a tough guy, someone who likes gutting wild pigs and thrashing his way through the bush.
Ricky grew up in the city, so of course he knows nothing about these exotic activities. That discrepancy gives the movie its humor, which relies on endless variations on Hec’s disdain for Ricky’s helplessness.
You will not doubt for a second where any of this is going, but it is pleasant enough to connect the dots. “Wilderpeople” will surely be one of this year’s arthouse hits, a cute fable led by two engaging performances from the young Dennison and “Jurassic Park” veteran Neill.
Because so much of the movie takes place on the run, they are the main players. But it should be noted that Rachel House and Oscar Kightley make a comical double act as the lead pursuers of the fugitive pair.
Director Waititi (who also appears in the film’s funniest sequence, as a country preacher) proved his ability to create mood in movies such as “Boy” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” Small wonder he’s been hired to direct the next “Thor” picture.
Given Waititi’s creativity, I was a little disappointed in how few surprises there are in “Wilderpeople.” But it’s all right to be just a well-executed charmer — and this movie is certainly that.
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” 2 1/2 stars
A beloved New Zealand novel has become the country’s most popular homegrown film. Sam Neill plays a crusty old-timer who takes his foster kid (Julian Dennison) into the forest and teaches him how to live off the land. This cute film doesn’t offer any surprises, but it’s well-executed.
Rating: PG-13, for violence, language
Showing: Egyptian, Sundance theaters
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