Plot Summary (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes

Plot Summary

The film Hunt for the Wilderpeople, directed by Taika Waititi, is set in the rugged wilderness of New Zealand. The story follows a troubled orphan named Ricky Baker, who has spent much of his life moving between foster homes. Ricky is placed in the care of Bella and Hec Faulkner, a couple living on a remote farm. While Bella is warm and welcoming, Hec is gruff and reserved.

- After Bella's sudden death, Ricky faces the prospect of being sent back to child services, which likely means going to juvenile detention. Determined to avoid this fate, Ricky fakes his own death and runs away into the bush. Hec tracks him down, but an injury forces them to stay in the wilderness longer than planned. As the authorities search for them, the duo becomes the subject of a nationwide manhunt, with rumours spreading that Hec has kidnapped Ricky.

• Throughout their time in the bush, Ricky and Hec form an unlikely bond, learning to rely on each other for survival. Hec teaches Ricky the skills needed to live in the wild while Ricky helps Hec open up emotionally. Their relationship grows from one of mutual distrust to one of deep friendship and understanding.

• The film explores themes of family, survival, and the power of nature as Ricky and Hec navigate the challenges of the wilderness and their personal struggles. In the end, they are captured by the authorities, and Ricky is placed in a new foster home while Hec serves time in prison. However, their bond endures, and once Hec is released, they reunite to continue their adventures in the bush.

• Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a heart-warming and humourous story about finding family in unexpected places and the importance of connection and self-reliance.