The Revenant (2015)

Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Academy awarding winning film Birdman from 2014 is a masterpiece on both creative and technical terms. It’s also a film that garnered him a lot of deserved attention and praise. How does he follow up such a profound and enthralling film? With another profound and enthralling film of, The Revenant, one that takes a methodical approach to revenge.

Partially adapted from Michael Punke’s The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge and inspired by the true story of fur trapper Hugh Glass, the film follows Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) on an expedition in the Montana and South Dakota territories in the 1820’s. Left for dead after a bear attack, Hugh Glass treks through the harsh wilderness to find Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), with revenge in mind.

On technical terms, The Revenant is a worthy follow up to Birdman largely thanks to Emmanuel Lubezki, the director of photography. He captures both the beauty of the landscape and the atrocities committed by the men who occupy it with his unique eye. The long takes during the violent moments give the film an authentic feel and make for an intense viewing experience. The smooth and fluid camerawork during those long takes prove just how proficient Lubezki is at his craft and the effectiveness of him and Iñárritu as a duo. On top of the strong direction and cinematography, the musical score adds to the tension, and also gives it a surreal quality.

As with Birdman, the acting in The Revenant is remarkable. Leonardo DiCaprio gives his most committed performance to date as Hugh Glass. He’s so immersed in the role and because of it, the film succeeds and is enthralling. As a viewer, you want to see Glass survive and continue along despite the odds. Will Leo finally win his Oscar? Only time will tell. Tom Hardy gives an equally committed performance as Fitzgerald, the man Glass is after. Hardy’s perfectly selfish and callous in the role, and makes for a great antagonist. Rising actor Domhnall Gleeson shines in his supporting role as Captain Andrew Henry, the leader of the trapping expedition. What could’ve been an easily unlikeable character is made likeable thanks to his compassionate quality and concern he has for Glass.

Overall, The Revenant is another impressive film from Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and one that succeeds on both a creative and technical level. The tension never lets up until the very end thanks to an enthralling story, a committed performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, and top-notch cinematography. It’s one of the best films of 2015, and certainly the most intense too.