‘Hunting Season’ Review: Mel Gibson Returns to Form

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Mel Gibson delivers a strong performance in the action thriller Hunting Season, playing a father fiercely protecting his daughter. After a good deed goes wrong, the pair find themselves in serious danger. The movie takes its time developing the characters before the action really begins, and while the story is fairly straightforward, it’s still incredibly engaging. You’ll quickly find yourself rooting for the father and daughter and enjoying their explosive fightback against their attackers, fueled by a mix of faith, firepower, and family loyalty.

Kyle Gibson plays Bowdrie Webb, a father raising his teenage daughter along a river in rural Oklahoma. His daughter, Tag (Sofia Hublitz), is much like him – they both enjoy hunting and fishing, and he teaches her everything, even the difficult parts like preparing the animals they catch. Tag also knows how to safely use a gun. Their family is very religious, and they always say grace before meals. Tag loves and respects her father, but she frequently asks questions about her mother, who has passed away.

Bow went into town to get supplies, while Tag headed to the river alone. There, she heard a woman screaming for help. When Bow returned, the two of them rushed to the riverbank and brought the injured woman back to their place. The woman, named January (played by Shelley Hennig), had been shot and beaten, and Bow tended to her wounds. January quickly asked them not to take her to a hospital.

Bow searches the river where the body was discovered and finds something else disturbing. The person responsible is likely to come after anyone connected to the case. At the same time, lost in a drug-induced state, Alejandro (Jordi Mollà) assembles his crew to relentlessly pursue their dangerous mission: locate Jensen (Rocky Myers), retrieve the stolen item, and eliminate anyone who might have seen something.

The film Hunting Season unfolds at a deliberate speed. After a shocking and violent opening, it slows down to focus on building the characters. Director RJ Collins, having previously collaborated with Gibson on Boneyard, skillfully portrays Bow and Tag in their natural environment. Bow has chosen a peaceful life, avoiding people, but he’s not completely isolated. He tries to prepare Tag for the harsh realities of the world, while also clearly hiding something from her. Tag picks up on this and begins to question what he’s keeping secret.


Samuel Goldwyn Films

Rescuing January leads Tag and his father into the unknown. Though her father cautions against getting involved – they don’t know January or what she’s caught up in – Tag finds himself drawn to her, especially considering the mystery surrounding his mother’s disappearance. January is truly grateful for their help as she recovers, but she knows trouble is coming and that Bow is in real danger. Tag now struggles with how to help January without putting his own family at risk.

Okay, so things really get dark in the second half of Hunting Season. Jude Molla, who’s basically made a career out of playing seriously messed-up drug kingpins – you might remember him from Blow or even Bad Boys II – is fantastic as the villain. He’s totally unhinged, a real psychopath who enjoys toying with his victims. Some of his scenes are a little over-the-top, sure, but honestly, it works. He’s a truly scary antagonist; they don’t show everything he does, but you definitely hear enough – like, the sound of a power drill? Chilling!

The film Hunting Season doesn’t depict Bow as a ruthless killer, but rather as someone who is highly skilled and precise under pressure. While his background suggests military training, it’s never directly confirmed; the film focuses on his abilities as a hunter and tracker. He has a clear advantage when pursued in the woods. Tag is also skilled, but she isn’t as experienced in killing. Her first time using a gun in a real fight deeply affects her. Though Bow taught her everything she knows about weapons, taking a life is a different experience entirely. Actress Hublitz powerfully conveys Tag’s emotional turmoil – her fear and anxiety are clear as their circumstances worsen – but Tag isn’t helpless. She finds the courage she needs when it matters most.


Samuel Goldwyn Films

Gibson’s religious beliefs and political opinions are public, but they don’t dominate his novel, Hunting Season. The characters Bow and Tag naturally include prayer in their lives, but it’s presented subtly and doesn’t feel like a push for religious debate. Seeing their faith actually reinforces January’s trust in them and their dedication to keeping her safe. They are genuinely good people who did the right thing by rescuing her, and they will continue to protect her when trouble arrives with Alejandro and his crew.

If you’re expecting shocking twists, huge surprises, or over-the-top violence, this action thriller isn’t for you. Hunting Season is straightforward and works well because it focuses on a caring father and daughter who are surprisingly capable fighters. They’re immediately likable, and I’d definitely be interested in seeing a follow-up.

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2025-12-04 18:33