‘The Huntsman’ DVD Review
Stars: Garret Dillahunt, Shaun Ashmore, Jessy Schram, Elizabeth Mitchell, Brent Bailey, Maddison Bullock, Bruce Davis | Written by Kyle Kauwika Harris, Steven Jon Whritner | Directed by Kyle Kauwika Harris
The Huntsman – not to be confused with the Chris Hemsworth vehicle of the same name, although there is a Snow White connection here. There’s a serial killer on the loose in small-town America, and he’s been dubbed ‘the Huntsman’ for his signature move – leaving his victims’ torn-out hearts to be found in a decorative box, along with a poisoned apple.
Lincoln (Garret Dillahunt) is the man accused of the crimes. Although there’s a catch. He’s currently in a coma, so not exactly in a position to answer for six murders right now. Meanwhile, Max (Shaun Ashmore) is the ICU nurse charged with tucking Lincoln in at night and reading books to the killer (?) during his slumber.
It’s a job he volunteered for, which, in turn, puts Max at odds with his police detective sister Darby (Jessy Schram). As the officer in charge of the investigation, she’s convinced that Lincoln was responsible and is furious at her brother for taking the job as Lincoln’s live-in caregiver.
But is all really as it seems? Is Max hiding a secret of his own? And what’s motivating his thirsty integration into every facet of Lincoln’s life and home?
Filmmaker Kyle Kauwika Harris directs, adapting the novel of the same name by Judith Sanders. It’s a tricksy take on the genre, and it simmers with a queasy sense of unease. We’re in familiar territory – a serial killer is butchering chained up and helpless women – but Harris isn’t exploitative about it. Instead, he’s more interested in his characters and the secrets they’re keeping buried. It’s not so much a whodunnit as a whydunwhat, keeping the audience on its toes throughout.
Between Dillahunt, Ashmore and Elizabeth Mitchell (who plays Lincoln’s enigmatic wife, Jolene), The Huntsman has gathered an impressive cast to glower their way through this moody serial killer thriller. It’s no spoiler to say Lincoln won’t remain in his coma forever (you don’t hire The Sarah Connor Chronicles star Dillahunt just to have him sleeping the whole time), radically shifting the dynamic when he does regain consciousness.
This is a well-worn paperback version of a familiar story. While it’s far from predictable, it’s not a radical reinvention of the genre either, and can be a little too po-faced for its own good. Still, between the strong cast and well-sustained atmosphere, it’s a worthy addition to the genre that’s well worth hunting down.
*** 3/5
The Huntsman will be released on DVD and Digital on February 23rd, courtesy of High Fliers.
