Hunt for the Wilderpeople, certificate 12, released in 2016, is New Zealand director Taika Waititi’s delightful fourth feature film. The plot revolves around a defiant city kid, Ricky, raised in foster care, who gets the chance of a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside.

The screenplay is based on a novel by Barry Crump about Ricky, a wayward boy who finds his place in the world after embarking on an adventure with his gruff, curmudgeonly guardian. Julian Dennison as Ricky, and Sam Neil as Hec, his guardian, generate some touching as well as brilliantly comic moments. Waititi also gives ample room for the supporting cast to shine, most notably Rachel House playing Paula, an uncomfortably committed child-services worker and Rima Te Waita as Hec’s partner.

The film was shot in the stunning scenery of New Zealand’s North Island, on the Central Plateau and the Waitāker Range

Talkies first showed the film at Bounds Green Bowls and Tennis Club eight years ago, and felt it would be a good, light-hearted way to end this year.

Trailer

1h 41m