Filmed under the title The Head, Jordan Downey’s film sounds like it might be about that Linkedin job-search by Jeannie in human resources, but it’s actually that rarest of genre entries; a kitchen sink sword-and-sorcery thriller. Yes, we’ve all seen mighty warriors, slaying gelid beasts and rescuing princesses, but what are these muscle-bound protagonists like when they go home at the end of a hard day? That’s the jumping off point for this unusual story, and while this may not be epic in budget or cast, The Head Hunter lands an original idea in style.
We have a cast of one here, so Christopher Rygh can pretty much claim that he’s the best thing in this. Rygh plays Father, a medieval warrior who shuttles between his simple homestead and a castle where he gets instructions about which monster he has to kill next to keep the kingdom safe. As his name suggests, Father has a family, or used to; his promise to protect his daughter was unsuccessful, and her body is buried outside his hovel, but the pain drives him onwards. Father collects the severed heads of his enemies, but after successfully tracking down and slaying the creature that killed his child, the head makes a break for freedom with tragic consequences.
Tragic might not be the right word; entertaining might be closer to the mark, since this is a Gothic horror film that has a touch of Evil Dead 2 body-horror possession, as Father’s struggles with the Head make up the variety of the running time. The Head Hunter is never boring, but also has a few well-positioned plot-twists which jolt the audience. Rygh does a strong-man act to carry a 72 minute feature with just a handful of lines of dialogue, but with his full mane of hair, fatigued demeanour and straggly beard, Rygh makes Father a truly memorable character. Father is dependent on a healing elixir, which sorts out his wounds and may well have gifted him some kind of immortality, but that may be as much of a curse as a blessing when the true nature of his enemy becomes apparent.
The Head Hunter is rapidly gaining a cult reputation, and that’s well-deserved; this is an atmospheric, well-shot and artfully conceived number which looks great in its first UK blu-ray release. The final twist is a cracker, but the whole package is highly impressive; made for the price of a fancy car, this puts most big-budget features to shame. Horror and action fans should take a look at The Head Hunter, a strikingly simple film that takes no prisoners; extras are minimal, but two commentaries should sweeten the deal, and this is a film with endless re-watch potential. And the director made his name with an unofficial Critters fan film, so he’s an automatic friend to this blog.
Thanks to 101 Films for access to this movie. Links below.
I absolutely love this movie. The atmosphere is great and delivers a dark and eerily calm tone. So awesome that it was made on a budget of 30k.
I was taking a backward look the other day, and this is one movie that really delivered on a tiny budget. It’s a real one-off, and I was lucky to catch it on the up. Just shows what can be done…
Could do with a new decent cult film – they are in short supply.
Pulling off a simple idea like this is a good watch; lo-fi, yes, but fully realized in a tiny budget. Worth keeping an eye out for.
Even I like the look of this one. That’s a great costume he’s wearing.
Do you remember the name of the guy who was running this place? Seems to have disappeared lately. Like maybe he got a job delivering milk or something.
Hmm Ol’10, or Dix I think. I was wondering where he was too. Usually he’s stood in a field dictating his reply comments to an illiterate horse. I’m worried about the horse now.
I think it might be hard getting a signal in Scotland. Don’t they basically live off the grid up there?
I am not sure they ever had a grid. Irn Bru and haggis seems to power them.
Well, at least it’s nice of him to leave the place open like this. And it’s not as if we’re going to wreck it like some Airbnb joint. Have you checked his fridge? I was a little scared to look in there.
Yello card for your to for encouraging this. It’s not this when you go off to the bins for hours at a time.
Is this Gaelic?
Yes.
No, don’t do horror 😀
Yellow card for casual racism.
That’s racist.
Red card for argument.
Not casual at all, quite formal really.
Red for formal racism.
I want a plaid card. Or paisley.
You don’t get to choose, Bunty. You’re off!
Off to empty the bins! Recycling today. Got any old reviews you want to repost?
Sigh. How up to date was your movie today? 1970 what?
Yeah, but it was the first time I posted it. Some sites repost old reviews! I know it sounds dreadful, but it’s true.
I want a tartan one.
You’ll be getting an on the spot fine if you keep this up.
Haven’t got any spots!
Tell that to the rozzers!
Haha good old Lancashire slang there. Luckily I don’t live there so they’ll never find me! Foiled again Bunty!
Gateshead area, Atmos, Kong vs Godzilla, shouldn’t be a problem…
They can come, they won’t find any spots.
You may have red spots on your foreheads when the cops close in.
Ock eye the noo. I’ll make them a cuppa, they’ll be fine.
I’m giving them tasers and cattle prods
You’ll be off the grid if I get my hands on you
Had to take my mum to a medical appointment, did you pay for the full 24 hour service?
Yep. When are you coming by to take me to the vaccination site?
I’ll be turning you over to the authorities.
Well, yes, that’s the point. But when?
Now. Red dot time.
FOC to me, in fact you should be paying me for my entertaining and pithy comments.
hahahahahhaha good one!
Thanks! I thought so!
I think it’s worth something. But nothing from the fridge. You were right not to go there.
Your Mum is a horse?????
Double red for insults.
wut?
That’s me preparing to write this review.
Hahahahah.
I like the looks of it! That picture at the top of the review is top notch.
and its brevity of length is a plus in my books…
I think you should see this, and I think you will like it. Wholesome fun.
That’s what I like to hear. Wholesome Fun is my middle name…
The film-makers don’t go down the heavy metal/ boobs and dragons route, this is more Skyrim than that…
Skyrim’s that first person shooter in a huge mmpgozoeo world right?
Like Red Dead Redemption, so big I just got lost every time I left my guild. I guess there must have been people like me throughout history, can’t find the adventure happening on their doorstep.
At least you know the name of the game. I don’t even know that 🙂
I didn’t any elder scrolls. I got lost in snow if fell of my horse. Who says video games are exciting? LA Noire was harder work that most jobs.
I’ve got Shrek for an unorthodox look at the fantasy world. Shrek on loop…
This isn’t quite the same as Shrek, which obviously is the key text in understanding medieval life.
Nothing’s quite the same as Shrek. Is this based on a true story as well?
Yes, it happened to me yesterday.
I’m sorry to hear that. I haven’t watched the film, but I assume you survive. That ruins some of the tension.
I’m keeping it ambiguous to keep you on edge.
So you didn’t survive?
You’ll have to guess.
That isn’t one of my talents. A clue?
Immortality is involved.
That’s a good clue. Let me mull over it for a while…
I’ve mulled. I guess it depends on which character you claim to be. I’m going to say… died.
Not in the library. Trailer looks a bit like Jabberwocky without the larfs. I’ll look for it on your say-so though. If it disappoints I’ll be showing up on your doorstep dressed like the hero, looking for payment in blood.
Are there many laught in Jabberwocky? A bit hit and miss from my recollection.
A few larfs. No mucx laughts.