Themes

1. Family and Belonging

Family and belonging are central themes in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, as the film explores the unconventional but deep bond that forms between Ricky and Hec.

• Ricky's Search for Belonging: Ricky has spent much of his life in foster care, moving from one home to another without finding a true sense of belonging. This changes when he is placed with Bella and Hec. Bella's warmth and care quickly make Ricky feel at home for the first time in his life. "He's home now. He'll be OK." - Bella

This quote from Bella reflects her belief in creating a home where Ricky feels safe and loved. As the film progresses, the relationship between Ricky and Hec deepens, transforming into a father-son bond. Despite their differences, they find a sense of family and belonging in each other, showing that family is not just about blood relations but about the connections we choose to make.

• Hec's Transformation: Hec, who initially resents the responsibility of caring for Ricky, gradually opens up and comes to see Ricky as family. Their shared experiences in the wilderness solidify this bond. "Me and this fat kid / we ran, we ate, and read books / and it was the best." - Hec

Hec's haiku captures the simplicity and fulfilment he finds in their relationship, underscoring the theme that family can be formed in the most unexpected ways.

• Ricky's Loyalty: Ricky's understanding of family deepens as he grows closer to Hec. His statement, "We stick together; we're family," encapsulates their bond, showing his belief in the importance of loyalty and connection.

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2. Nature as a Healing Force

Nature plays a significant role in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, serving as a backdrop for the characters' emotional and psychological healing.

• The Wilderness as a Teacher: The New Zealand bush is more than just a setting; it becomes a place where Ricky and Hec learn about themselves and each other. The challenges they face in the wild force them to grow and adapt, leading to personal transformations. "Trees. Birds. Rivers. Sky. / Running with my Uncle Hec / Living forever." - Ricky

This haiku, spoken by Ricky, reflects his connection to nature and how the wilderness becomes a place of learning and bonding for both him and Hec. The natural world helps Ricky shed his "gangster" persona and embrace his true self.

• Healing through Connection: Hec, who has lived a solitary and gruff life, also finds healing in nature. The time spent in the bush with Ricky allows him to confront his past and open up emotionally. Being in nature helped Hector understand the importance of human connection. The film suggests that nature provides the space and simplicity needed for personal reflection and healing, making it a powerful force in the characters' journeys.

• Ricky's Growing Confidence: Ricky's correction of Hec's grammar, "It's majestic.", indicates his increasing confidence and comfort in his new environment, further highlighting how nature contributes to his growth and self-assurance.

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3. Government Institutions as Dehumanizing

The film critiques government institutions, particularly the foster care system and law enforcement, portraying them as rigid and often dehumanising.

• Paula's Rigid Approach: Paula, the child services officer, is depicted as overly strict and focused on rules rather than the well-being of the children in her care. Her motto, "No child left behind," is ironic given her harsh treatment of Ricky. "No child left behind!" - Paula

This quote highlights Paula's rigid, bureaucratic approach, which contrasts sharply with the genuine care Ricky receives from Bella and Hec. Paula's character represents the flaws in the foster care system, where children are often seen as problems to be managed rather than individuals with unique needs.

• Ricky's Frustration with the System: Ricky's outburst, "You're not listening! Nobody listens! There's no more homes, just juvy!" reveals his deep frustration with the foster care system, which has consistently failed him. His belief that "They don't care about kids like me; they just keep moving us around until something happens like... Amber." further illustrates the theme that government institutions can be impersonal and neglectful.
  • The Inhumanity of the System: The authorities' pursuit of Ricky and Hec throughout the film is portrayed as relentless and impersonal, further illustrating the theme of dehumanisation. The film contrasts this with the warmth and humanity found in the relationships Ricky forms outside of the system. Paula is shown to lack the care and understanding that real-life social workers should have.

This critique emphasises the need for a more compassionate approach to social services, prioritising the well-being and emotional needs of the children.