Happy Hunting

As Warren (Martin Dingle Wall) struggles to come to terms with the tragic news of his ex-girlfriend’s death, he learns he has an unacknowledged son living in Mexico. This revelation triggers a chaotic journey of reconciling with his past while attempting to secure a better future. His quest takes a wild turn after receiving a mysterious call, propelling him into the dangerous world of methamphetamine, made all the more perilous with the questionable involvement of Bo Dawg (Jeremy Lawson) and his partner. Amid escalating chaos, Warren finds himself shooting Bo Dawg and being pursued by Cal and Robbie (Connor Williams), who are relentless in their hunt.

In search of a refuge, Warren reaches Bedford Flats, a remote town adjacent to the Mexican border. There, he encounters Don (C.J. Baker), who runs the local liquor store, and Bob (a chronic drunkard), both of whom find themselves at odds with the townsfolk, who tire of Bob’s antics. Warren’s attempts to reconnect with the elusive caller from Mexico yield no success, driving him to a sobriety meeting led by Steve Patterson (Ken Lally). Steve offers invaluable wisdom for Warren’s recovery, but Warren faces an unexpected challenge when he discovers a stash of horse tranquilizers in Steve and Cheryl’s bathroom, compelling him to confront his inner demons.

As withdrawal grips him, Warren takes refuge with Steve and Cheryl, only to find himself in a deadly showdown against Cal, Robbie, Bob, and a man named Jim. The unfazed Sheriff Burnside (Gary Sturm) announces the annual town hunt where armed citizens will seek and eliminate their prey. Captives bound and left to fend for themselves in the arid desert, Warren and his comrades realize their survival hangs on wits and speed.

The group of hunters—comprising Steve, Cheryl, Don, and the Wakowski siblings—Charley (Michael Tipps), Jessie (Liesel Hanson), and Mickey (Kenneth Billings)—set out to capture Warren and his friends. Jim, burdened by exhaustion, pays the price as Warren discreetly abandons him with the remaining tranquilizers for relief. Bob, in a desperate bid for survival, takes extreme actions that push Warren and Robbie to sprint in opposite directions. The close pursuit culminates with Don’s lethal intervention against Cal and Bob, forcing Warren and Robbie into a perilous, uncertain future.

As darkness envelops the night, an ambush led by Steve and Cheryl unfolds tragically. Steve’s fateful driving miscalculation results in a disastrous crash, leaving him unconscious and Cheryl lifeless. Seizing the moment, Warren grabs a gun and map from the wreckage, making a narrow escape just as Don arrives. The encroaching night causes Warren’s withdrawal to intensify, leading to haunting hallucinations that threaten his fragile psyche.

Warren finds temporary solace when he reunites with Robbie, and they come across a service hut, where they whip up a makeshift potion to counteract Warren’s cravings. However, contact through the radio unveils the malicious intent of the Wakowskis. In a series of harrowing events, Charley suffers a fatal arrow wound, Mickey endures multiple gunshots, and Jessie falls victim to Warren’s desperate frenzy with an axe.

Continuing his arduous trek through the desert, Warren stumbles upon a cadre of Mexican migrants engaged in a traditional ritual of tying red ribbons. His misfortune soon intensifies as he unwittingly steps into a bear trap, leaving him incapacitated. In the midst of his plight, Don confronts Warren, but ultimately meets his demise at Warren’s hands.

In Bedford Flats, Steve awakens to the unbearable reality of Cheryl’s death. Consumed by rage, he turns to violence, embarking on a quest to hunt down Warren while Burnside and his son Junior (Kenny Wormald) trail closely behind. A tense encounter leads to Junior’s brutal murder, and Burnside suffers a horrific fate at Steve’s hands.

As the night stretches on, Warren succumbs to the taunting whispers of Bo Dawg, edging closer to self-destruction. However, he overcomes the entrapment of the bear trap. His journey takes a surreal turn when he follows a red ribbon leading to an underground passage. A violent clash ensues as he confronts Steve once more, culminating in Warren’s act of setting Steve ablaze using a lighter and tequila.

Warren’s moment of triumph is fleeting, as he faces a shocking betrayal when a Mexican gang member shoots him through the neck. Stricken but resolute, Warren prepares to meet the oncoming mob with a twisted sense of acceptance and dark humor.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:58