A national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.

In the decade since I first watched Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), I clearly remembered Sam Neil and an overweight kid roughing it in the New Zealand bush, crying a lot during the movie, and absolutely loving it. Rewatching it at the Academy Museum (with post-film Q&A with director Taika Waititi, Rima Te Wiata and Rhys Darby) reminded me just how much more there was to the film and I’m happy to report that it holds up. 

When his wife Bella (Rima Te Wiata) takes in a foster child into their remote home in the New Zealand outback, Hector (Sam Neil) begrudgingly puts up with the new member of the family, Ricky (Julian Dennison). Calamity befalls the new family and the odd pair of an urban kid and an outdoorsman are driven deep into the bush, trying to stay alive while encountering wild animals and being chased by other people. You’ll laugh out loud, shed tears, and enjoy every second of this adventure as you wonder how the movie will end. All I’ll say is that now that I’ve rewatched it and remember it much better, I want to see it again even more! 

As for the Q&A after, while Mr. Waititi was very animated and his usual silly self introducing the movie, by the time it was for the Q&A, the energy wasn’t there. I blame much of this on the moderator, who allegedly knew the director for many years yet seemed to have no rapport with him. Understandably, much of the conversation was around Sam Neil, who passed away less than three months prior. But the remembrances were not grounded in the making of the movie, which is what I expect from any Q&A – no behind the scenes tidbits and anecdotes or even technical tips on directing a feature film. It was a big letdown especially because Q&As with the principals are a big part of what the Academy Museum screenings are about.

But even if there is no conversation with the director after you watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople, be sure to sit through the credits to hear the full rendition of the “Ricky Baker Birthday Song.” You’ll want it living rent free in your head forever.

Barndi’s grade – A+. No notes.