The Revenant

Alejandro Gonzalas iñárritu, one of the most exciting and innovative directors of our time, has made the wildest wilderness film ever. In early 2015, he took his film crew into the heart of Alberta's vast wilderness and launched an unprecedented film production. Especially given the current film climate, which hasn't seen anything like it since Francis Coppola plunged into the Philippine jungle in 1976 to film Apocalypse Now.

Set in the 1820s in the American wilderness, The Revenant is based on the legend of the real-life Hugh Glass, played in the movie by Leonardo DiCaprio. Hugh Glass is attacked by a bear and suffers severe injuries. His comrades abandon him but he survives against all odds and decides to take revenge.

The story is a simple one of revenge and survival. It is above all the people and places around the core that are essential. Beneath the beautiful surface that is The Revenant are the important and interesting layers on which the movie is built. Racism and environmental degradation are two of Alejandro's main themes. He uses symbols and nature to narrate and discuss.

The settings and photography are outstanding. Alberta's magnificent wilderness is stunningly beautiful on camera. Nature has been treated with great respect and is honored to be included in the film.

The movie also relies on the skillful acting. In particular, Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Hardy are truly brilliant in their respective roles. Even Will Poulter, making his first appearance in such a large-scale production, does well. Alejandro has chosen to use real Indians to portray the Native American population in the film, which gives the movie a good sense of authenticity.

Gripping, believable, uncomfortable and incredibly beautiful at the same time. This movie is not about the wilderness, it is the wilderness.

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Erik Brink