'Hunters': From '70s retro art to an ensemble cast, 5 things why this may be show of the year
The wait is finally over! For months we have been preparing for this day when Amazon Prime will raise the curtains on its most anticipated show. Despite our instant reactions from the previews, ‘Hunters’ has managed to evoke more thoughts and emotions in us, encompassing its ten episodes. And now after a 10-hour long sensory joyride, we are still under its influence, quite inebriated by its production values, outstanding performances, and more, that merit more than a few hundred words. But let’s try to be as comprehensive and precise as we could.
The retro-grunge art style that transports you to the roaring '70s all over again
So, here’s the thing. There’s a sudden surge of post-retro (the late '70s and '80s) art that has taken up the industry by storm. However, ‘Hunters’ might look very “comic books inspired” as many are calling it, but it is over and above the high-saturation, brightly toned films or backdrops that most retro-inspired movies are. ‘Hunters’ art direction is incredibly smart, uses all necessary pop culture elements of '70s New York City, and yet, manages to create its own brand image by plugging in quirky animation and cut scenes in between, irrespective of how important they are. Whether it’s the floral interiors of Jonah Heidelbaum’s home or the very neo-modern feel of Meyer Offerman’s mansion, the set takes you back in those days all over again. One might think of this as downplaying the intensity of the plot but we think that’s creative brilliance. Isn’t it the roaring '70s after all? A little bit of wackiness and eccentricity of art direction only brings out the real feel of the good old days. From the props to the background, even the grungy filters, the styling of every cast member, all just marries perfectly into a very classic retro, spy-thriller movie.
A narrative that defies every definition of storytelling
David Weil has brought one intense plot to the table. Talking about the Holocaust and the World War always raises the hair on everyone’s neck. And when you weave that into a well-knit storyline, driven by well-sketched characters, it becomes a narrative that will keep you hooked all through the end. The story starts with a lot of intense dialogue exchange and powerful visuals and then unfolds into imperfectly perfect subplots that reflect the ambitiousness of the creator and it’s absolutely admirable. The usage of the '70s setting through cultural, social, and political symbolism is right on point. For instance how Jonah uses Star Wars and Batman allegories that hold deeper meanings about the principles of the “hunt”. There’s a lot of aggression, violence, and high-octane actions, but the narrative is so fascinating that you will never cringe for a minute, rather be appalled at some shocking revelations of facts.
Music production takes the show’s experience to the next level
If you have paid enough attention to the trailer, you would notice Talking Head’s ‘Psycho Killer’ playing in the background. If you think that perfectly explains the scenes, then there’s more throughout the rest of the show. The post-punk era music, with inclusions of classics, retro-pop, and early disco does the right job of making the series look quintessentially like pulp fiction.
Here’s the trailer video again, featuring the ‘Psycho Killer’ soundtrack. We recommend turning up the volume!
An ensemble performance that makes you feel you are in a very long movie
And yes, you wouldn’t want that movie to ever end! It happens, when you have someone like Al Pacino make a comeback like this, to the small screen. His composure as an old war survivor juxtaposed with his vengeful, ruthless approach for every hunt, makes you fall in love with the legend in every frame. But the buck doesn’t stop there. Logan Lerman might seem all Percy Jackson-ish all over again, but the actor has matured and his character’s evolution is very natural. For Josh Radnor, like we once said before, we only have one thing to say; he should be in the next Tarantino movie. There couldn’t be a better nun with the gun than Sister Harriet and Kate Mulvany seems the best fit for it. The other cast members - Tiffany Boone as Roxy Jones, Carol Kane as Mindy Markowitz, Saul Rubinek as Murray Markowitz, Louis Ozawa Changchien as Joe Mizushima, Jerrika Hinton as Millie Morris, Greg Austin as Travis Leich, Dylan Baker as Biff Simpson, and Lena Olin as The Colonel, have managed to live up to the expectations of their characters from the start to end.
The most fitting cast that could be
We rarely pay much attention to why and how the casting has been done the way it is. But ‘Hunters’ makes you look into the tiniest details and see how fitting the cast is. For starters, having actors from a background akin to that of the story’s characters make it more natural. For instance, Logan Lerman, Josh Radnor, Saul Rubinek come from Jew heritage and perhaps that makes their roles much closer to heart and realistic. Lest you question Meyer Offerman’s portrayal, here’s our input. For a method actor like Pacino, it wouldn’t have been any challenge to nail the role of a war-torn old Jew. Hence his casting also fits the bill just about right.
From award-worthy performances to the most fascinating entertainment experience, ‘Hunters’ has proven to be a show that will leave the deepest mark this year.
Catch the Nazi hunters live in action, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.