'Most Dangerous Game' Review: A gripping thriller that proves Quibi's idea to create snackable content works
Spoilers for 'Most Dangerous Game'
Five episodes of 'Most Dangerous Game' total up to roughly 37 minutes of runtime. Now, that is redefining the way we consume content. Conventionally, an average film runs for roughly two-and-a-half hours, and an episode in TV series touches close to an hour. This whole concept of Quibi's 'Stories in chapters' makes the Liam Hemsworth-starrer a crisp and a pacy affair. These five episodes essentially serve as Act I dished out in seven to ten-minute installments.
The storyline is pretty simple with the trailer already establishing a major chunk of the details. Dodge Tynes (Liam Hemsworth) is a failing man drowning in debt. To make matters worse, his wife, Val (Sarah Gordon) is pregnant and Dodge is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He now needs to make sure Val isn't left high and dry in terms of money in whatever days he's got left.
Miles Sellers (Christoph Waltz) is the president of a company called the Tiro Fund. And he's on the lookout to help people in need. Except, there's a catch. It is revealed he is in touch with a wealthy clientele who pay some major moolah by putting people in need of help in what is one of mankind's intense sport — Hunting. It is easy to predict what goes on next, but this is made up for with some high-octane storytelling. There's a sense of urgency in the way the plot unfolds and that adds to the pulsating factor.
Episode 1: 'The Offer'
Set in Detroit, the episode opens with Dodge meeting Miles as they ponder on the former's grim future. There's a bit of a backstory about how Dodge lands up to where he is. There's no hiding he's in a desperate situation and he needs monetary help. 'The Offer' is just what the title says.
"I can do it with your participation," says Miles when Dodge asks him for some financial help. It is revealed then that Miles acts as a facilitator. Waltz shines as the man who nonchalantly details out how Dodge would be needed to be hunted in order to be paid more handsomely, while Hemsworth can be seen practically turning white and seething within. So convincing is Waltz that at some point it makes sense. "You could leave your family millions," he says.
'The Offer' is primarily a two-men conversation and it sets up the series quite artfully. As far as the tone goes, it's a lot of black and grey and that predominantly has to do with the storyline.
The opening credits give off the 'Bloodsport' red style of titling to add a rather menacing touch, might we say.
Episode 2: 'The Motivation'
Considering there isn't much time left where minor plot points can be added, 'The Motivation' serves as the flashback episode where Dodge is known for his running exploits. It is hard to imagine such a jacked and tough-built character would actually be suffering from a terminal disease. The chapter is all about the doting husband Dodge is. There are new characters introduced and one of them is Zach Cherry as Looger, Dodge's best pal since childhood.
'The Motivation' ends with the first signs that Dodge is suffering some a serious health condition. It's easy to see why this narrative had to come second as Quibi and the series, in particular, have taken the unconventional route. Much like Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible III'. e\Except here, Dodge isn't bleeding.
Episode 3: 'The Rules'
It is revealed that Dodge has glioblastoma, an aggressive tumor in his brain. And is inoperable. Nick Santora's teleplay makes sure the foot is not taken off the pedal as the storyline moves at a quick pace. The Tiro Fund gets a quick introduction and amidst anger, frustration, and sadness, Dodge still decides to see what the organization has to offer. The scene then shifts back to the pilot episode's conversation between Miles and Dodge.
Circumstances in a way pan out that this sport is tailor-made for Dodge. A runner on the run so as to not be hunted. Rules are simple: No timeouts, no do-overs and all he has to do is to dodge the hunters (Pardon the pun). 'The Rules' just starts the intensity engine as Miles meticulously outlines the rules, the results of what would happen if the rules are violated, and the money factor that comes with it.
Episode 4: 'The Acceptance'
Time's ticking for Dodge as the suspense element is cranked up by Santora in this episode. Waltz steals the show as a character who can effortlessly switch from being a facilitator to someone who has a profound respect for Dodge and the nature of the challenge.
Nerves become an integral part of 'The Acceptance'. We've seen different emotions from Dodge, and it's easy to see Hemsworth's character quiver in his boots as game time nears. The final minutes see the game start and Dodge bent on one thing: Survival.
Episode 5: 'The Start'
The best line probably is when Miles tells a petrified Dodge: "There are three F's kid, Flight, fight and freeze. The third one gets you killed". The panic is clear as crystal as we see Dodge combat doubt and uncertainty at every turn. His first move is to get on a bus only to panic harder. Meanwhile, Val discovers money trickling into Dodge's account. And it only gets more as he survives the hour.
'The Start' keeps you at the edge of your seats as the storytelling pace doubles up. And ends abruptly just when we see Dodge planning his next move.
(With the chapters releasing on a daily basis, this recap and review will be updated episode-wise)