I just watched “The Hunting Party” and let me tell you, I’m a bit all over the place with this one. It’s like biting into a smörgåstårta, you’re never really sure what flavor you’ll get in the next bite. Richard Gere, Terrence Howard, and Jessie Eisenberg lead this odd blend of action, drama, and comedy that meanders somewhere between the excitement of a thriller and the absurdity of a weekend fishing trip up in Dalarna. The film dive-bombs into serious themes of war reporting, but then it also takes unexpected (and sometimes head-scratching) detours into black comedy.
Gere does his thing—charming as ever, a bit rakish, maybe a hint of grumpy old man. It’s like watching him juggle too many köttbullar at once. And Eisenberg, well, he’s playing the awkward sidekick which, let’s be honest, he’s nailed down to a Västerbotten cheese pie recipe precision by now. There were moments I found myself laughing at bits that I’m not even sure were meant to be funny. But maybe that’s the point?
When it comes to sensitive themes like war and journalism, it kinda walks on a Swedish icy lake in April. It looks solid, but you’re just holding your breath for the cracks. This film attempts to show the absurdity and tragedy of overlooked world events, much like the time old man Persson from my hometown cried conspiracy because no one reported on the village’s “best äppelkaka” contest. Where it triumphs is making you ponder who owns the narrative in conflict zones.
All in all, it’s a mixed bag. Entertaining enough for a rainy Sunday, but maybe not a game-changer. Make sure you’ve got some Swedish coffee and kanelbullar handy.
