Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, and Will Poulter. In the 1820s, a fur-trapping expedition ventures into the wilderness of present-day Montana and South Dakota. Led by Captain Henry (Gleeson), the group also includes frontiersman Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) and John Fitzgerald (Hardy), as well as Glass's beloved son, Hawk (Forrest Goodluck). When Glass is brutally mauled by a bear on a solo hunt, Fitzpatrick insists that the expedition leave him behind so as not to compromise their agility and make them vulnerable to hostile Native American tribes. Captain Henry pays Fitzpatrick, Hawk and Bridger (Poulter) to stay with Glass until he dies, but Fitzpatrick attempts to suffocate him to speed up the process. Witnessing this murder attempt, Hawk atttacks Fitzgerald and is killed by him. Fitzpatrick and Bridger abandon Glass, but he miraculously survives and embarks on a grueling journey fueled by revenge to find his son's killer. The first praise for the film has to go to Emmanuel Lubezki, the cinematographer. The landscape shots of the American frontier wilderness are absolutely gorgeous and even more impressive considering Lubezki insisted on filming only with natural light. If anyone else wins the Oscar for cinematography, it would be a travesty. DiCaprio's dedicated and intense performance also deserves a positive mention. He completely transforms himself, emotionally and physically, to channel Glass's desperation and determination. There are few roles more demanding than this one, and if it doesn't FINALLY net Leo's Oscar, I can't imagine what would. Tom Hardy is fantastic in his outrageously evil supporting role, and Iñárritu's direction is masterful once again. Although difficult to watch at many points, The Revenant is an incredible cinematic experience.
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: A-
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