Hunting Lands is a brilliant little indie film in the thriller genre. It’s a slow burner with a very simple story. But don’t worry, this movie is ultimately very satisfying. Definitely a movie you should watch!

Hunting Lands is a new thriller with elements of crime and drama. Also, we cover survival and revenge. All of which are elements I really enjoy.

This movie might not be for everyone due to its pace. But, to me, this was exactly why it was so damn awesome. We’ve seen it several times when people live secluded lives in movies. And it really does work incredibly well.

You will know what the characters are thinking by observing rather than just having lines to tell you.

Just watch the trailer for Hunting Lands

I didn’t expect anything in particular, but the trailer for Hunting Lands did catch my eye. Especially since it’s very honest and true to the style of the actual movie. 

Instead of giving you a summary of the story, the trailer for Hunting Lands simply lets you know the vibe and feeling of the movie. And then the movie delivers when you watch it. What more could you ask for?!

You can watch the trailer at the bottom of this review or by clicking here!

Be warned; A lot of the movie is us watching the main protagonist watching the dumb SOB that we all want him to punish.

I know this might sound like a snooze fest, but trust me, it really isn’t. Instead, it feels like a more realistic and honest version of an 80s action movie like Rambo. We follow a war veteran who wants to stay to himself but ends up having to get involved with a**holes to help innocent people.

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Small but brilliant cast

Hunting Lands really doesn’t have that many characters. But this is actually just one aspect of what makes the story work so damn well. It’s all about getting into the mindset of each character and trying to anticipate for each will do.

The protagonist, Frank Olsen, is portrayed by Marshall Cook. He could not look more the part if he tried. The man has seen a lot of things he’d rather forget, while in war, and now he wants to stay clear of people. However, he is still very quick to help the moment someone is in need.

The real dirtbag of the story is Lance Bennett. He’s played by Joe Raffa who gives one hell of a performance as well. With this character, he embodies everything you recognize from the creeps you come across every now and then. However, when you see a picture of the actor, you almost can’t recognize him. It really is a total transformation.

Finally, the (relatively few) lines do exactly what they should; Convey tidbits of information that allow us to understand what’s going on and how people are connected. That’s it! And that’s all we need. Instead of telling, Hunting Lands show you what’s going on.

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Hunting Lands is out now!

Zack Wilcox wrote and directed Hunting Lands based on a story by him and Josh Amato. For Zack Wilcox, this is his debut as a director and also as a feature film writer. However, he does have quite a bit of experience working on movies. And it shows!

Fortunately for all of us, Zack Wilcox is already working on his next project which is currently filming. It’s called Found You Righteous and I’ll definitely want to check that one out too.

Hunting Lands is such a complete and accomplished movie in every way. The characters are interesting, the story is engaging, the cast is brilliant, audio and visual just works. Even the score is perfect!

If you’re ready for a slow burner and enjoy it when the calm and decent people take on the crude and obnoxious people of the world, then Hunting Lands is for you. 

Hunting Lands was released On Demand in March, 2019.

Details

Director: Zack Wilcox
Writers: Josh Amato, Zack Wilcox
Stars: Marshall Cook, Joe Raffa, Keyna Reynolds, Kaleb Rittenhouse, Brooke Mulkins, Shelby Brunn, Nicole Cinaglia

Plot

Hunting Lands is the story of reclusive veteran Frank Olsen who yearns to escape from the complexities of the modern world. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the world comes looking for him. When he discovers a discarded, beaten woman fighting for her life in the snow, Frank must decide whether to continue to turn his back on society or confront the world he loathes.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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