This Guardian review revisits Taika Waititi's 2016 film Hunt for the Wilderpeople, prompted by the recent death of Sam Neill, one of its stars. Adapted from Barry Crump's 1986 novel Wild Pork and Watercress, the film is praised as arguably Waititi's masterpiece, blending his characteristic irony and comedy with strong storytelling and performances, and continues to resonate with audiences years after release.

Neill plays Hector, a gruff farmer in New Zealand's North Island whose foster son Ricky (Julian Dennison) becomes his companion on the run through the wilderness of Te Urewera after a family tragedy, pursued by child welfare authorities led by Rachel House's character Paula. The pair's flight sparks a nationwide manhunt and media frenzy, with the public casting them as underdog heroes. The review highlights Waititi's comic undercutting of sentimentality, sharp supporting performances, and Neill's "lovely, gentle and wise" turn as Hector.