Movie Review: The Revenant (2015)

Photo: The Revenant (2015). Image: http://www.movienewsguide.com

Let's talk a little bit about the word "hype".

Man, do we crave it. Companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying desperately to create it. Hype places a unique spotlight on a certain good or service, and while hype can mean increased product sales - it can also mean increased criticism and scrutiny.

I am so excited to write this movie review, mainly because The Revenant (2015) directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, was one of the most spectacular films I have seen in quite some time. The acting is compelling, the storyline is complex, and the cinematography is as breathtaking as the landscape itself.

So, you can choose whether or not to believe the hype; but after watching The Revenant (2015) - I believe every bit of it.

Define "Revenant"

Answer: a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead.

A Brief Summary

Set in the 1820's, a violent war is waging between the Native Americans and the "white men" as they fight for land and power in the wintery frontier of Wyoming. One man, Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), is hired by Captain Andrew Henry (Domhnall Gleeson) as a guide on a fur trading expedition. During the grueling journey, Hugh is violently attacked by a grizzly bear. Concerned only with their own survival, a couple of his traveling companions (one including the infamous Tom Hardy) betray him and flee, leaving Glass for dead. Alone in the woods during a grave winter and a violent war, Glass' survival is fueled solely by his determination to seek vengeance on those who betrayed him.

What Impressed Me 

Oh to list the things in this film that impressed me...

• The cinematography 
• The amazing acting
• The authentic props and wardrobe
• The complex storyline
• The breathtaking landscape
• The emotional roller coaster

Truth is...there is never any point in the movie where you are able to take a prolonged sigh of relief. The film is made up of a series of intense scenes, which contribute to the overall brilliance of the work.

What Horrified Me

Watching a grizzly bear violently attack and mutilate a human being will ALWAYS horrify me. Always. 

I cannot express fully just how disturbing the bear attack scene was. For the record, I have never seen a real bear attack (praise God), but I am fairly certain that this scene in The Revenant (2015) was as close to a real bear attack as any film could have come. It was truly the most disturbing and horrific thing I have ever seen an animal do to a human on screen. Ever.

With that said...if you are squeamish and actively try to avoid blood and gore....then, sadly, this just isn't the movie for you. I'm not going to sugar coat this  just to get you to buy a ticket and experience this movie. That's NOT how I roll.

However, if you are someone who appreciates a well made bear attack scene (or can at least suffer through watching it) - then this is without a doubt a movie you should watch.

I know Leo won a Golden Globe for his performance in The Revenant...but someone needs to give that grizzly bear an Oscar!

More Fun Facts...

Did you know...

• The movie was filmed using only natural light? Watch as lighting in the movie remains consistent over a large majority of the film.
• The film was shot near Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Pieces of the film were also shot in Montana, and Argentina. 
• The film took almost 2 years to complete.
• The film is based on a true story! Crazy huh?

My Final Recommendations

I highly recommend this movie. Even though this is the type of movie you can only watch once every 3-5 years; it is still one of the best, and most captivating films of its kind. I cannot adequately compare this movie to any other film.

Long story short....

You can believe the hype. I do. 

{ Want to watch more movies like the Revanent? Check out the "Movies like Movies" website here! }

Love,

Stasia Rose