TIFF 2022: Project Wolf Hunting Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Project Wolf Hunting follows a cargo ship transporting some of toughest and most vile criminals around from the Philippines to Busan, South Korea. Accompanying them is a team of South Korean police detectives tasked with keeping them out of trouble until they reach Busan. Characters are given movie star introductions as many of them are established names in the South Korean film and TV industry. The film essentially sets up the police and criminals as two teams with early exposition establishing both sides. As the cargo ship sets off, the chaos truly begins. 

At first, Project Wolf Hunting feels like an action thriller. While the film looked like it would go in one direction, it goes in another. The prisoners have a clear goal early on, and that is to incite a riot and escape from their shackles. Giving audiences virtually no one to root for, the criminals admittedly are cool as hell, as each are allowed to chew up the scenery with their movie star charisma and energy. The film finds that sweet spot, going over the top and really satisfying audiences with its comic book level fun. The cops are intriguing due to the emotional throughline Kim Hong-sun establishes for most of them by humanizing them in a way that the criminals are not. 

A new development arises in the form a being held on this cargo ship. Is it a man, or if it is something more? Once that question is answered, the film hits its peak and becomes terror unleashed. What followed are scenes of genuine insanity that can only be seen to be believed. Audiences will find themselves sitting around and ranking kills in how gruesome, inventive, and downright nuts they were. There is a lot more that unfolds here and while it may seem like it bit off more than it can chew at times, the film does find itself by the end, and it is all well worth it for the ride.

Kim Hong-sun does a very good job at balancing different genres. Infused in the hyper-gory action is some strong science fiction themes that intertwine with real life history. It may sound like a lot to read, but watching it all unfold is an absolute treat. It is cinematic insanity at its finest. While it may take some time to get going, when it does, Project Wolf Hunting is quite a thrilling watch.

In the end, the film features unique characters, exciting twists and turns, and several unforgettable sequences and is one of the year’s most gory films. While it may not be for everyone, for fans of rated R-cinema, it is something that should not be missed. 

*still courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment*

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Brennan Dubé

**ignore the above Instagram link**