Review of The Revenant (2015)

General Information

• Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
• Main Cast:
  • Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh Glass)
  • Tom Hardy (John Fitzgerald)
  • Domhnall Gleeson (Andrew Henry)
  • Will Poulter (Jim Bridger)
  • Paul Anderson (Stubby Bill)
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
• Runtime: 156 minutes

Plot

The Revenant is a brutal and visually stunning tale of survival and vengeance. Set in the 1820s, the film follows Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), a frontiersman who is left for dead after being severely injured by a bear during an expedition in the American wilderness. Betrayed by his companions, including John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), Glass embarks on a near-mythical journey through the harsh and unforgiving wilderness, driven by his desire for revenge. Overcoming relentless physical obstacles and the elements, Glass struggles to survive while seeking to confront those who abandoned him.

Highlights

1. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Performance
   • Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an extraordinary performance as Hugh Glass, portraying a man stripped down to the rawest human instincts in the face of unimaginable hardship. DiCaprio’s performance, which involves minimal dialogue and an intense physical transformation, earned him the Oscar for Best Actor. His portrayal of pain, suffering, and determination is gripping and emotionally raw, capturing the character’s near-superhuman survival instincts.
2. Stunning Cinematography
   • The film is a visual masterpiece, thanks to cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, who previously won Oscars for Birdman and Gravity. The wide, breathtaking landscapes of the American frontier are captured in long takes, which create a visceral sense of immersion. Lubezki’s use of natural lighting, often during golden hour or in the dead of night, adds a haunting beauty to the film. The tracking shots and the use of nature as both a character and antagonist in the story deepen the immersion and tension.
3. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Direction
   • Iñárritu’s direction is masterful, crafting a film that feels raw, unforgiving, and intensely emotional. He takes full advantage of the remote, harsh environments to tell a story of survival and vengeance that feels almost primal. The long, unbroken takes add to the realism, making the viewer feel the weight of Glass’s struggle. The film’s pacing is deliberate and meditative, with long moments of silence that contrast sharply with the intense action.
4. Tom Hardy’s Performance
   • Tom Hardy delivers a commanding performance as John Fitzgerald, the morally ambiguous antagonist. Hardy’s portrayal of a selfish, bitter man motivated by greed and survival is complex, adding depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. His physicality and gruff demeanor create a chilling contrast to DiCaprio’s character, making their eventual confrontation all the more anticipated.
5. Themes of Survival and Revenge
   • The Revenant is ultimately a story about the struggle for survival, both in the physical and emotional sense. Glass’s journey is a test of endurance, not just against nature, but against his own sense of loss and grief. The film explores themes of revenge, the human connection to nature, and the lengths one will go to for justice or retribution. The narrative forces the audience to confront the price of vengeance, as well as the meaning of life and death in the unforgiving wilderness.
6. Sound Design
   • The sound design in The Revenant is exceptional. The film’s immersive soundscapes—from the sounds of the roaring river to the crackling of a fire—heighten the tension and isolation Glass faces. The minimalistic score by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto complements the natural sounds and the film’s emotional weight, further enhancing the raw atmosphere.

Criticisms

1. Slow Pacing
   • While the slow pacing adds to the immersive and contemplative nature of the film, it may not appeal to all viewers. Some might find the film’s deliberate pace too slow, especially during its quieter moments when the plot takes a backseat to survival sequences and visual storytelling.
2. Sparse Dialogue
   • The minimal dialogue may feel alienating for some viewers. While it serves to heighten the emotional and physical journey of Glass, the lack of verbal communication can make certain scenes feel drawn out or harder to connect with emotionally, particularly during the film’s quieter sequences.
3. Violence and Harsh Themes
   • The film’s graphic violence and brutal themes of vengeance may be too intense for some audiences. The bear attack scene, in particular, is a shocking and physically demanding sequence, and the film’s violence often serves to push the boundaries of what’s comfortable to watch.

Verdict

The Revenant is an intense, visually stunning film that showcases both the physical endurance and emotional complexity of its central character. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, exceptional cinematography, and a haunting portrayal of the harsh realities of survival, the film succeeds in creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. While the slow pacing and sparse dialogue may not appeal to everyone, the film’s thematic depth, emotional power, and raw intensity make it one of the most memorable cinematic experiences of its year.

Rating: 9/10