Movie Review: Jagten (The Hunt) (2013)
Written by Anthony Sargon
Sometimes, all it takes is an accusation to ruin your life, no matter whether or not it’s true. The mere idea of your wrong-doing can be enough to turn your world upside down, and Thomas Vinterberg’s “Jagten” (The Hunt) makes that absolutely clear. It’s a very powerful film that’s bolstered by a great central performance by Mads Mikkelsen. The Danish film is also among the nominees for best Foreign Language film at the 86th Academy Awards.
Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is a quiet kindergarten teacher who absolutely loves the kids he takes care of. He’s divorced, and is in the middle of a custody battle for his son. When an innocent lie implicates Lucas in a sexual assault case, his quiet little life is soon turned into a nightmare.
I was really happy to see that the film didn’t pull the “did he or didn’t he” card, and straight-up makes it clear that Lucas is innocent. This isn’t some ambiguous mystery where the audience constantly wonders if Lucas actually did it; we know he’s innocent. It makes the movie all the more relatable, because you automatically imagine what would happen if you were in Lucas’ shoes. Plus, Mads Mikkelsen’s reserved and understated performance is perfect.
I wondered if Lucas should have been more vocal in trying to prove his innocence, but that would only increase suspicion. What makes everything worse is the fact that the alleged victim is Lucas’ best friend’s daughter, Klara, played by the extremely talented – but slightly creepy – Annikka Wedderkopp.
But the film doesn’t try to demonize Klara, although I personally didn’t like her. Vinterberg does a great job at explaining how such an accusation can get blown out of proportion, and it totally makes sense. The only reason the audience reacts negatively to it is because we know Lucas is innocent, but most of the characters’ reactions can be justified. Other times, like a confrontation that takes place in a supermarket, can be a tiny bit exaggerated, but not completely inconceivable. Again, the accusation alone is enough to shun Lucas from society.
The Verdict:
“The Hunt” had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It’s one of 2013′s most harrowing films, and one that you should definitely check out.
Numerical Score: 9/10
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