Hunting Pignut

Hunting Pignut is a dramatic Canadian indie film from 2016, meticulously written and directed by Martine Blue. The compelling narrative revolves around the dark and troubling world of gutter punks and their illicit subculture, presented through the eyes of its captivatingly complex protagonist, Bernice Kilfoy. Taylor Hickson wonderfully portrays the character of young Bernice, a 15-year-old outcast hailing from a remote Newfoundland town, who finds herself drawn into the baffling and brazen life of a mysterious and sketchy figure, Pignut.

At the crux of the story, Bernice’s estranged father passes away, triggering an unexpected series of events. Notably unforgettable at the desolate funeral is a group of unnerving strangers who storm the ceremony to steal the ashes of the deceased, leaving a distraught and baffled Bernice behind. Driven by curiosity and a deep-seated desire to understand her late father’s life, Bernice begins to trail the one person who might enlighten her - the enigmatic Pignut, portrayed with a compelling sense of authenticity by actor Joel Thomas Hynes.

The movie deftly showcases Bernice’s daring odyssey, as she – a mere 15-year-old – embarks on a gritty and thorny journey into the world of street art, substance abuse, and squatting. The film further intensively explores her courage to assimilate into the law-defying, anti-establishment mob while maintaining her devotion to her quest.

Hunting Pignut captures a darkly realistic portrayal of raw emotion wrapped in rough survival, blended with themes of loss, identity, and resilience. The viewers drift along the unfolding narrative, watching Bernice move from the comfort of her confined world into a parallel universe of raw freedom and unsettling chaos in her pursuit of Pignut and, in essence, the truth about her father.

Jenn Brown astutely portrays the character of Erin, Bernice’s mother, offering a vulnerable peek into the complex equations of love, loss, and letting go. The strained relationship between the mother and the daughter adds a heart-wrenching layer of emotional heft to the movie.

The cinematography manifests the gritty aura of Pignut’s world – a world incessantly characterized by grunge, uncertainty, and rebellion. Simultaneously, it beautifully encapsulates the stark contrast of Newfoundland's quaint small-town charm studded with picturesque landscapes. Martine Blue's depiction of such divergent settings adds a visually striking backdrop to the evocative storyline.

This movie is not merely a linear narrative but a complex interaction of layers. As Bernice dives deeper into the chaos, she struggles with understanding the corners and crags of Pignut’s life, the man who happened to be her father's best friend, along with her personal grief and existential crisis. However, she exhibits an undying spirit to navigate through the sticky webs of the underworld, showcasing an individual's resilience in the face of adversity.

The film's soundscape echoes the narrative's rawness and urgency. Alongside, the film features a stirring original score that beautifully aids the storytelling while it reflects the narrative's tumultuous undertones.

In conclusion, Hunting Pignut offers an authentic, hardcore, and sometimes uncomfortable tale of self-discovery, survival, and truth-seeking, all through the eyes of a tenacious teenager. It is a potpourri of contrasting emotions and vibrant characters engulfed in a world of grunge aesthetics. Despite representing obscure subcultures and darker aspects of society, the film succeeds in never losing sight of the element of human vulnerability. Moreover, it encourages the audience to empathize with each character, despite their visibly rough edges.

A memorable highlight of the film is undoubtedly the remarkable performances by the cast, spearheaded by Taylor Hickson's captivating portrayal of Bernice. Simultaneously, Joel Thomas Hynes as Pignut mirrors the charm and mystery of a layered character with extraordinary finesse.

While Hunting Pignut dwells on many dark themes, at its essence, it primarily reveals a tale of courage, resilience, and sheer will to seek truth, no matter its potential impact or the chaos it might unleash. It is an intimate and compelling journey that invites the audience to delve deeper into understanding life's many complexities beyond the surface, making it a noteworthy watch for those seeking cinema that pushes boundaries.