The Revenant- Movie Review

Last year, Alejandro González Iñárritu made a gigantic impact during award season with his masterpiece Birdman: or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). When a project involving him and Leonardo DiCaprio was announced, it immediately became one of my most anticipated releases of the year. As if my anticipation wasn't great enough, the first trailer from The Revenant hit theaters and I was even further sold that this film would rock theaters everywhere. Having the chance to see it early, I can confirm that The Revenant is one of the best movies of the year.

The premise of this film is simple. Hollywood sweetheart Leonardo DiCaprio portrays frontiersman Hugh Glass. Some bad stuff happens (I won't spoil anything) and Glass is stuck in the middle of the wilderness. The film goes through his journey back into civilization, both physically and mentally. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance in this film is next level. The man has proven time and time again that he is within Hollywood's elite and his portrayal of Hugh Glass is nearly flawless. The physicality he brings to the role is something truly spectacular. The man needs a nomination from the Academy for this performance. I'm not saying he can bring home the gold, but the odds are in his favor. I also have to make note of Tom Hardy's performance as John Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is a ruthless, slime bag of a human being and Hardy portrays him beautifully. Hardy's intensity is on par with DiCaprio's and I hope his performance is recognized by the Academy as well. Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter both also deliver really fantastic supporting performances. This cast is some of Hollywood's best and Iñárritu highlights every member beautifully.

The Revenant brings you on an incredible journey that just absolutely captivated me. Following Glass through the wilderness as he tries to survive is riveting. Something this film did brilliantly was highlight how dangerous nature is. The Revenant is not a film for people who don't understand or appreciate characters going through brutal situations. This film doesn't cut any corners. You see a truly brutal and gritty journey that doesn't appear to have a pretty ending at some points. Another great aspect of this journey that the film brings you through is the spiritual side of it. You see plenty of the physical side, but Iñárritu included the spiritual journey Glass goes through as well. Tons of imagery and symbolism is included to really show the mental state Glass is in as he tries to rejoin civilization. The unique thing about this journey is that is can end at any point. It's truly unpredictable and super entertaining to follow. (By the way, to all the people wanting to know about an alleged "bear rape" scene, I will say this. It's truly something innovative and in NO WAY a rape scene).

Something special Iñárritu did with this film is that he shot the entire thing using natural light. No additional lighting was used in the production of The Revenant. The process has to be appreciated because it's particularly tedious and it made the film look absolutely beautiful. The Revenant is one of the best looking films you will ever see. Iñárritu is just placing himself on the upper echelon of Hollywood's best directors for bold moves like this one. Shooting in natural light really added to the effect of this film and it really added to the grittiness that this film was trying to convey.

In terms of complaints about the movie, the only thing I really noticed in my viewing was the length. This movie does drag at times and can feel repetitive. There are parts of this journey that are slow and really test the viewer in terms of continuing to watch. Yet, getting to the end is very much worth it.

For all purposes, The Revenant is one of the best films you will see in a long time. It's a fantastic story with incredible acting and incredible visuals.

Rating: A-