When a reclusive survivalist and his daughter rescue a mysterious, wounded woman from a river, they become entangled in a deadly web of violence and revenge, forcing them to confront a brutal criminal to survive.
Mel Gibson’s professional journey has been defined by both versatility and staying power, moving from unforgettable characters like those in the MAD MAX saga to the lasting energy he brought to the LETHAL WEAPON films. Despite his impressive resume, Gibson often doesn’t get full recognition from the mainstream film community. Lately, he’s been gravitating toward indie projects, with “Hunting Season” serving as a prime example—a movie that probably only came together because he agreed to participate.
In “Hunting Season,” Gibson takes on the role of Bowdrie, a reclusive man with an enigmatic history, living off the beaten path in the Oklahoma woods with his daughter Tag (Sofia Hublitz). Tag is sharp-witted and fiercely independent, her personality molded by their off-the-grid way of life. The story shifts dramatically when Tag, out fishing, encounters January (Shelley Hennig), who’s barely clinging to life. When Bowdrie gets home, Tag brings January to him, and together they do what they can to help her recover.
As January heals, she reveals what happened: she and her roommate, Liz (Scarlet Rose Stallone), were kidnapped from their apartment by masked intruders desperate to find Liz’s boyfriend. Unable to get answers, the kidnappers kill Liz. January is taken into the woods where Liz’s body is discarded, but January manages a narrow escape, though she’s gravely injured in the process.
Motivated by a need to protect, Bowdrie tries to get January to a women’s clinic in another county. On the way, he runs into Sheriff Brake (James DuMont), an old friend, and Detective Davenport, a recent addition to Brake’s team. Brake shares troubling news about two recent deaths—a young woman and a deputy rumored to have links to a cartel led by Alejandro (Jordi Mollà). Bowdrie, to ward off suspicion, pretends that January is Tag’s cousin, but Detective Davenport remains suspicious.
Back at their cabin, Bowdrie comes clean with January and Tag, breaking the news about Liz’s death and her connection to the cartel-linked deputy. Sensing mounting danger, the trio prepares for the worst—they secure the cabin, take up arms, and brace themselves. As darkness falls and their adversaries approach, they are completely unaware of Tag and Bowdrie’s survival experiences and of Bowdrie’s mysterious background.
Though the narrative follows a familiar formula, director RJ Collins’ steady direction and the cast’s committed performances give the film a solid foundation. Uniquely, Bowdrie’s backstory is left intentionally vague, allowing curiosity about his past to drive tension without the standard soldier-of-fortune clichés; his love for his daughter shapes his every choice.
While the film’s action stays within the boundaries of genre expectations, what sets “Hunting Season” apart is the carefully developed dynamic between its leads. Jordi Mollà delivers a truly unsettling performance as the villainous Alejandro. Gibson’s restrained acting style, alongside strong performances from Sofia Hublitz and Shelley Hennig, elevates the film. Although it doesn’t reinvent the thriller blueprint, “Hunting Season” distinguishes itself with tight pacing and memorable character work. Those in search of a well-crafted thriller, anchored by textured performances and tense storytelling, will find plenty to admire in this independent feature.
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