In The Wild Hunt, Erik (Ricky Mabe, Zack and Miri Make a Porno) nurses a broken heart left shattered by his too-cute girlfriend, Lyn (Kaniehtiio Horn, Journey to the Center of the Earth), whos left him for another man ... whos really into LARPing. When Erik cant stand it anymore, he ventures to the wilderness where one of their games is at play, in an effort to win her back.
I didnt think the concept would be able to stretch itself into a feature and remain compelling, but director/co-writer Alexandre Franchi has done just that in an increasingly impressive, low-budget debut. While entering a world that is utterly foreign to him, Erik also keeps it at an arms length two arms, lets say despite everyone around him doing the opposite. When he finds Lyn, he almost doesnt recognize the woman he loves: This is what makes you feel like a princess? Wrestling with foam swords?
Yes, The Wild Hunt is funny, but its also a little sad and, in its final few minutes, a lot disturbing. Let these people have their fun, argues one character this is all theyve got. Its the inability to switch off the fantasy that is a painful reality for some. The films tone is as such that, at first, I didnt care for it. But slowly, surely, it hooked me with its odd flow.
William Golding would be, too. Rod Lott