TIFF ’22 Review: ‘Project Wolf Hunting’ is a no holds barred fight to the end
‘Project Wolf Hunting’ is an action-packed high seas adventure that pits criminals against the police… against a blood-thirsty monster.
Some people say if two sides want to fight, stick them in a room together, lock the door and see what happens. Whether they talk out their differences or destroy each other, one way or the other the battle will be over. However, introducing a third party to the equation could totally change the dynamics. Perhaps the warring sides unite against a common enemy, temporarily forgetting their grievances and trying to work together to defeat the uninvited guest. In Project Wolf Hunting, a prisoner transfer with a police escort is joined by an unknown sinister force.
After the tragic circumstances surrounding an air extradition a decade earlier, the authorities commandeer a large cargo ship to transfer a group of dangerous criminals from the Philippines to South Korea. There are 20 career police detectives assigned to the mission with strict orders to stay vigilant at all times. Yet, an escape plan is put into play and the authorities prove unprepared to prevent it. Suddenly it’s war — convicts vs. cops — as the ship’s interiors are washed in blood. But there’s something else on the ship and it doesn’t care who they are — it’s going to kill them all if it gets the chance.
The antagonistic relationship and threat of some of the prisoners is made clear early on as they take attendance and later read the cons their charges. While not all the felons are associated with the incarcerated next head of organized crime, they’re not about to protest the breakout and risk losing their own lives. The lead officer has a long history with the crooked prince and he’s not going to give the ship up easily. The escape is reminiscent of Con Air, but far more grisly. It’s a very bloody affair as the criminals have no qualms about butchering anyone that stands in the way of their freedom. However, the ominous shape that emerges from the ship’s lower depths cares even less about any of their lives.
The violence is grisly as they all use anything at their disposal against each other and their mutual attacker who needs nothing more than his bare hands. Geysers of blood gush from their wounds, painting the walls and pooling across the floor. The brutal assassin’s origins are hinted at before the full extent of the conspiracy behind its existence is revealed, which is an interesting extra layer to the already intense narrative. There’s no telling how anyone might die or who will survive any of the many massacres that occur over the course of two hours. But the time flies by and the conclusion may leave many viewers wishing the movie was actually a little bit longer.
Project Wolf Hunting had its world premiere in the Midnight Madness programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Hong-sun Kim
Starring: Seo In-Guk, Dong-Yoon Jang and Dong-il Sung
