Hunt for the Wilderpeople @ 10 Years Old

With the recent passing of Sam Neill, what better time to look at one of his great performances 10 years down the road.

The latest episode of MovieVersaries has dropped, and the recent passing of Sam Neill is on the mind.

Bo Nicholson and Ian Buckley combine for a conversation about Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi’s film about a Maori boy (Ricky Baker, played by excellent newcomer Julian Dennison) who has been chewed up by the foster system until he arrives at a remote farm in his native New Zealand. There he meets Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and Hec (Sam Neill). Bella is bubbling over with excitement at having the opportunity to raise Ricky, Hec couldn’t be less-enthused.

Ricky warms to Bella, but tragedy strikes, and Ricky and Hec are forced to forge a new path together without her.

Bo and Ian’s conversation touches on wide-ranging subjects, such as; Taika Waititi’s overall career, American Western influences on this film, the delicate balance of comedy and heart this script presents, and the excellent central performances of the experienced Neill and the inexperienced Dennison. The intro from Bo is a tribute to the life and career of Sam Neill.

To listen to the episode, search for ‘MovieVersaries’ wherever you listen to podcasts, or follow this link!