Hunt for the Wilderpeople

In rural New Zealand, a child services officer Paula and police officer Andy bring 13-year-old Ricky, a Maori orphan, to his new foster home. Bella, Ricky's foster mother, eagerly awaits his arrival, hopeful to provide him with a loving environment despite his troubled past.

Upon arrival, Ricky expresses reluctance to stay and even attempts to return to the police car. Bella, however, welcomes him warmly into a room brimming with books, movies, and music, hoping to connect over their shared interests.

Hec, a rugged man resembling Sean Connery, returns from a hunting trip carrying a pig, less excited about Ricky's presence than Bella. He struggles to adapt to his newfound role as 'Uncle,' revealing the difficulty of accepting Ricky into their lives.

Curiosity takes Ricky outside one night, where Bella finds him sleeping just 200 yards from home. She joyfully invites him back for breakfast, marking his first taste of a nurturing family environment and igniting a sense of belonging.

As Ricky undertakes various chores alongside Bella, she shares insights about life and her views on what happens after death. These lessons help Ricky forge a new perspective on his own existence and the customs around him.

Ricky experiences a memorable birthday complete with a cake and a dog he affectionately names Tupac, reflecting his fascination with pop culture. This moment serves as a pivotal point in his emotional journey as he begins to find joy in his new life.

After witnessing Hec's vulnerability during an important moment, Ricky feels a profound sense of abandonment when he receives news of an evaluation from Child Services. In despair, he writes a suicide note, ignites a barn fire, and runs away into the wilderness.

Determined to survive in the wild, Ricky begins to navigate the challenges of nature. Despite Hec's earlier skepticism about Ricky's abilities, he soon realizes the boy's resilience as he embarks on the journey of survival.

Hec embarks on a mission to find Ricky, despite his prior doubts about the boy's survival skills. As they navigate the wilderness, the duo faces various precarious situations, deepening their relationship forged in adversity.

As Ricky and Hec's story unfolds in the wilderness, it gains traction in the media. Their misrepresented relationship, however, complicates matters further as they struggle to maintain their bond amidst growing public interest.

The pair meets an eccentric conspiracy theorist named Sam, who offers them temporary refuge. This encounter leads to chaotic events, including a madcap truck chase involving the army, adding an unexpected twist to their journey.

Eventually, Ricky and Hec find themselves in court facing significant choices about their futures. This pivotal moment forces them to confront the realities of their actions and the potential paths that lie ahead.

Post-evaluation, Hec is shown living in a halfway house where he grapples with the challenge of learning to read. The struggle represents his journey toward redemption and understanding.

A visit from Ricky, accompanied by Kahu and her father, sparks hope for Hec as they reconnect. Ultimately, Hec decides to live with Kahu's family, keeping the door open for future adventures in the bush.

Throughout their journey, both Ricky and Hec learn about survival, belonging, and the importance of friendship. Their experiences against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand serve as a poignant reminder of finding family in unexpected places.