Hunter Gatherer

Hunter Gatherer is an independent comedy-drama film released in 2016. Directed by Josh Locy in his debut feature narrative, it stars Andre Royo, famously known for his role as 'Bubbles' in the HBO series The Wire, alongside George Sample III, and Kellee Stewart. The film presents a raw, deeply emotional, and often times humorous look into the life of a middle-aged man trying to rebuild his life after being released from prison.

In this cinematic exploration, Andre Royo delivers a stellar performance as the film's protagonist, Ashley Douglas. After serving a three-year prison stint, Douglas finds himself back home with an unwavering optimism and determination to turn his life around. Still, his plans encounter a series of hurdles. He discovers that the world he left has moved forward without him; his girlfriend has moved on, and old friends are nowhere to be found.

As Douglas tries to reconnect with his past and carve out a new existence, he meets a peculiar, loner character, played by George Sample III. Becoming unlikely friends, their relationship forms the heart of Hunter Gatherer. Sample’s character, Jeremy, is seemingly simple-minded, but his character depth is revealed as the narrative unfolds. His innocent outlook and unique approach to life serve as a noticeable contrast to Douglas, yet also a strange complement.

The character dynamics are artfully constructed and play out through dialogues rife with black humor, philosophical introspection, and at times, startling honesty. Royo and Sample’s charismatic performances bring their characters' friendship and struggles to life, resulting in a slice-of-life story imbued with heart and soul.

Kellee Stewart portrays the role of Nat, Ashley's cousin, lending a degree of warmth and practicality against Douglas's generally misguided decisions. Perceptive and steady, she anchors the other characters with a sense of reality, serving as a reminder of the world's actual harshness outside the cocoon that Ashley and Jeremy seem to create.

Set against the backdrop of South Los Angeles, the film doesn't shy away from showcasing the less glamorous parts of the cityscape. Yet, in this austere environment, the film finds its identity. The low-key narrative thrives in these margins, leveraging its setting to accentuate the highs and lows of the characters' journeys. The cinematic treatment bestows upon the film a distinctive style that plays into its storytelling, adding an almost surreal quality to their mundane lives.

Throughout its run, Hunter Gatherer offers a non-standard examination of human complexity, desperation, ambitions, and the innate desire for companionship. Its narrative subverts conventional storytelling by not relying on dramatic plot twists or exaggerated turns of events. Instead, it engrosses its viewers by providing glimpses of ordinary life and everyday battles of its deeply flawed yet relatable characters. It's a poignant exploration of humanity that's both grounded and dream-like, painting a comprehensive picture of life at society's fringes.

In capturing the plight, the yearning for love, the need for acceptance of its characters, Hunter Gatherer offers an in-depth narrative punctuated by moments of hilarity and despair. It tells a story about being released yet feeling confined, about seeking freedom while struggling with internal chains, underlining the grim reality that sometimes, life's prisons can be intangible.

Hunter Gatherer is a thought-provoking film that navigates through the different shades of human emotion excellently, blending the harshness of reality with the complexity of dreams, failures, relationships, and resilience. Combined with the excellent performances from its cast, the film resonates with the viewers and lingers long after the end credits roll.

Hunter Gatherer won significant acclaim upon its release. Andre Royo's performance was particularly hailed, earning him the Best Actor award at the 2016 South by Southwest Film Festival. The film, with its performances and storytelling, sheds light on the forgotten corners of society. It is an indie gem that reflects the raw and poignant aspects of life with humor, warmth, and a good deal of heart.