An offbeat, heartwarming buddy comedy that blends infectious absurdity with profound grief. As two misfit outcasts flee into the untamed New Zealand wilderness, they discover that the most majestical journey is navigating the wild landscape of the human heart.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

"Nature just got gangster."

22 January 2016 New Zealand 101 min ⭐ 7.7 (2,256)

Director: Taika Waititi

Cast: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne

Drama Comedy Adventure

Belonging and Found Family Grief, Loss, and Healing The Flaws of the Judicial and Welfare Systems Harmony with Nature

Budget: $2,500,000

Box Office: $23,900,000

Hunt for the Wilderpeople - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details

Easter Eggs

References to the film 'Smash Palace' (1981)

The film pays homage to classic New Zealand cinema. The junkyard scene set at the Horopito car wrecker's yard, as well as the comical shootout, are direct nods to Roger Donaldson's iconic Kiwi film Smash Palace.

The 'Crumpy' Toyota Hilux

The red truck is a reference to a famous series of 1980s New Zealand television commercials for the Toyota Hilux that starred Barry Crump, the author of the film's source material.

The Terminator and Sarah Connor arguments

Paula frequently compares herself to the Terminator. Ricky counters that she is more like Sarah Connor—specifically from the first movie 'before she could do chin-ups.' This highlights the pop-culture-infused lens through which Ricky views the world.

The Lord of the Rings homage

In a tense evasion scene, Ricky and Hec hide from the authorities in a hollow beneath the roots of a large tree. The framing directly mimics the famous scene in The Fellowship of the Ring where the Hobbits hide from the Ringwraith.

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