SXSW 2024: Hunting Daze (Jour de Chasse) | Review
Premiering at SXSW 2024, this shocking and head-spinning ‘cabin in the woods’ horror is the directorial debut feature of Who Do I Belong To and Oscar-nominated producer Annick Blanc.
When we first heard about Annick Blanc’s 79-minute directorial debut feature, Hunting Daze, which tells the story of a young woman stranded in the middle of nowhere and joining five men on a bachelor hunting trip, we couldn’t help but wonder what Blanc could bring to the horror genre when it’s already saturated with similarly-themed movies set in isolated cabins in the woods. However, despite initial skepticism about the film’s brevity, there was a seriousness behind it.
The story follows tempestuous sex worker Nina (Nahéma Ricci), who finds herself stranded in the wilderness of Canada with her group after their car runs out of gas. The situation is made worse by her uncouth male colleague. After one of her customers, named Kevin brings them fuel, Nina decides to separate from her group and convinces Kevin to take her to his hunting cabin.
As Nina integrates herself with the men, Blanc subtly showcases the inherent threats of this masculine micro-society, while hinting at something more sinister lurking in the forest. Nina’s strange nightmares go unnoticed, and tensions rise when a mysterious stranger, played by newcomer Noubi Ndaiye, joins the group. Ndaiye’s performance is particularly striking, reminiscent of the character dynamics in the Bulgarian film Fear, where a Malian refugee confronts xenophobia in Eastern Europe.
Blanc’s film is not just about horror; it’s an exploration of masculinity and power dynamics. Through a visually menacing style, the film captures the sensation of a never-ending falling dream, drawing viewers into its eerie atmosphere. Blanc, along with her team, including Vincent Gonneville, known for his work on Brotherhood and Who Do I Belong To, masterfully creates an unsettling mood with extreme close-up shots.
The tension is heightened by Peter Venne’s exceptional musical scores, perfectly balancing skin-peeling tension and heart-pounding dread. Despite its bizarre moments, the film offers a mix of mystery, drama, and even humor, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
Premiering at SXSW 2024 in the Midnighter section alongside other notable titles, Hunting Daze is managed by ArtHood Entertainment for sales.
