The Hunt

Mads Mikkelsen stars in a distressing examination of a false indictment, and the collective hysteria that ensues, in this electrifying drama from Festen director Thomas Vinterberg.

Kindergarten teacher Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) finds his world turned upside down when he’s accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a young girl, incurring the unquestioning wrath of the local community. Propelled by an extraordinary performance from Mikkelsen, this distressing examination of false indictment and collective hysteria is an emotionally complex piece of work, balancing heart-stopping tension with intelligence and subtle provocation.

Danish director and former Dogme adherent Thomas Vinterberg rose to fame in the 1990s with the caustic family drama Festen, and The Hunt sees him returning to similarly provocative terrain. The film was a highlight of the Debate strand of BFI London Film Festival 2012.