The Hunter

The Australian bush attracts and frightens. That also goes for Martin, who treks into the wilderness of Tasmania in this exciting psychological adventure drama. Via a mysterious biotechnological company, he has been commissioned to track down the last Tasmanian tiger. Not an easy commission, that much is clear. The tiger is sought at length, but without success. Martin hears from the local guide that the previous hunter has been missing for months. He also finds his traps are sabotaged and he’s being tracked on his quest.
The Hunter, based on the debut novel by Julia Leigh, is both a literal journey and a metaphorical one: Martin, a layered role by Willem Dafoe, has to change his own opinions and behaviour because of his mission. The majestic, breathtaking shots were filmed entirely on location. Rough plateaux, desolate mountains, thick forests: their emptiness and deserted nature underlines the isolation, loneliness and urge for survival of the protagonist. Closing Film of the festival.