Directed by
Daniel Nettheim
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Hunter (2012). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Mercenary Martin David, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, is enlisted by the military biotech company Red Leaf with a daunting mission: to travel to Tasmania to collect samples of the elusive Tasmanian tiger, which is believed to be extinct. Red Leaf aims not only to gather DNA but also intends to eliminate all remaining tigers to prevent other organizations from acquiring their genetic material. This high-stakes contract comes through a middleman, Jacek Koman, placing Martin under immense pressure as news of the tiger’s existence could spread rapidly. With just a few weeks to accomplish this compelling task, Martin, known for his precision and discipline, embarks on his journey.
Arriving in Hobart, Martin adopts the guise of a university biologist and takes lodging with the Armstrong family. The household, consisting of Lucy, portrayed by Frances O’Connor, and her two children, Katie – played by Morgana Davies, and Jamie, faces constant challenges due to its deteriorating state, including erratic electricity and contaminated water supply. Despite his intent to stay at a local tavern, the unwelcoming community, which views him suspiciously as an environmentalist akin to Lucy’s missing husband, Jarrah Armstrong, leaves him with no choice but to reside with the Armstrongs.
Lucy’s life has been thrown into disarray following Jarrah’s mysterious disappearance. He was an environmentalist who had clashed with local loggers desperate for work, leading to speculation and gossip that swirls around the town. As Lucy copes with her grief, heavily sedated by medication, Martin feels compelled to assist with repairs around the house while also working on his mission. With an adeptness for survival, he ventures into the wild for extensive periods, consistently setting traps in hopes of spotting the elusive tiger. His meticulous mapping of trap locations showcases his skills as both a hunter and a survivor.
The tranquility of the bush is soon interrupted by distant gunshots, hinting at the presence of rival hunters or perhaps angry locals. Tension escalates when he returns to find his vehicle vandalized. In brief visits back to the Armstrong residence for supplies, Martin forms a bond with Lucy’s children, particularly when he uncovers the truth about Lucy’s dependency on her medication, which is delivered by Jack Mindy, a character portrayed by Sam Neill. Recognizing the detrimental impact of her addiction, Martin takes action by temporarily seizing her medication.
During one of his treks through the forest, Martin makes a grim discovery: Jarrah’s skeletal remains, leading him to arrange for a respectful burial, all the while keeping this revelation from Lucy and the children. As he integrates into the Armstrong family dynamic, he learns more about the histories that intertwine them and the dangers of his undertaking. Martin uncovering a drawing from Jamie, depicting the tiger near a water source, gives him a pivotal clue on where to locate the animal.
However, the stakes rise significantly when Martin learns that the company he works for had originally hired Jarrah for this very mission, only for him to abandon it in favor of environmental advocacy. This complication deepens when Martin becomes embroiled in a life-threatening confrontation with a rival Red Leaf operative, sent to replace him. Employing his cunning, Martin turns the tables, leading his adversary to a trap that results in a deadly altercation.
Upon returning to the Armstrong residence, Martin discovers devastation— the house is engulfed in flames, and Lucy and Katie tragically did not survive. With Jamie taken into custody by the authorities, Martin feels a renewed sense of purpose. Determined to put an end to Red Leaf’s ambitions, he finally spots the Tasmanian tiger and, though reluctant, he fulfills his grim responsibility by shooting it before ensuring its secret remains buried.
In the aftermath, Martin informs Red Leaf that the creature they sought is “gone forever.” The film closes with Martin making his way to a local school, where he finds Jamie sitting alone. Their heartfelt reunion offers a glimmer of hope amid the wreckage of their respective lives.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Hunter (2012) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Martin's Mission Begins
Mercenary Martin David is hired by Red Leaf to gather samples of the Tasmanian tiger, with explicit orders to eliminate any remaining tigers to prevent competition. The urgency of the mission is heightened as the tiger is believed to be extinct, and Red Leaf has limited time to secure the samples.
Arrival in Hobart
Martin flies into Hobart, Tasmania, to commence his work. Posing as a biologist, he is assigned to stay with the Armstrong family due to unsuitable local accommodations.
Living Conditions
Martin discovers the Armstrong home is in dire condition, lacking basic amenities such as electricity and clean water. Despite his discomfort, he decides to repair the house during his stays.
Lucy's Condition
Lucy, the mother of the Armstrong family, is mentally dulled from medication taken after her husband's mysterious disappearance. Martin learns that her struggling health is linked to her dependency on these drugs.
Speculation and Conflict
Local tensions arise from the unresolved disappearance of Lucy's husband, Jarrah, and the ongoing conflict between loggers and environmentalists. The community suspects Martin may share Jarrah's environmentalist tendencies.
Setting Traps
Martin ventures into the bush for extended periods, meticulously setting traps and snares for the elusive Tasmanian tiger while mapping his progress. His adeptness at surviving in the wilderness is tested during these excursions.
Signs of Rivalry
After hearing gunshots nearby and finding his car vandalized, Martin realizes he may not be the only one pursuing the tiger. The presence of another hunter raises the stakes of his mission considerably.
Confiscating Medications
Recognizing the harmful effects of Lucy's dependency, Martin confiscates her medication and manages to care for her while she's unconscious. His actions mark a pivotal step in addressing her addiction.
Clue to the Tiger
After Martin helps Lucy recover from her addiction, her son Jamie provides him with a drawing that hints at the tiger's habitat. This newfound information motivates Martin to adjust his search strategy.
Discovering Jarrah's Fate
During a routine check of his traps, Martin stumbles upon Jarrah's remains. Understanding the peril he faced, Martin gives Jarrah a proper burial while choosing to keep this discovery a secret from the family.
Teaming Up Against Red Leaf
Martin learns from Lucy that Red Leaf had originally hired Jarrah to track the tiger. This information complicates Martin's mission as he realizes the full extent of the organization's interest in the project.
Ambushed by a Rival Operative
While inspecting the jungle, Martin is ambushed by a Red Leaf operative sent to replace him. This confrontation turns dangerous as the operative forces Martin to lead him to the tiger's cave.
The Trap and the Showdown
In a clever maneuver, Martin leads the operative into one of his traps, which ensnares the man’s leg. Seizing the opportunity, Martin fights back and ultimately kills the operative, ensuring his safety.
Tragedy Strikes
Upon returning to the Armstrong home, Martin discovers that it has been burned down. He learns from Jack Mindy that Lucy and Katie did not survive the fire, leaving Jamie as the sole survivor.
The Final Hunt
Driven by loss and revenge, Martin finally locates the Tasmanian tiger. In a moment of despair, he makes the heart-wrenching decision to shoot it before cremating its remains, ensuring that Red Leaf can never exploit it.
A New Beginning
After completing his mission, Martin returns to town and contacts Red Leaf to inform them that the tiger is 'gone forever.' He later finds Jamie and provides him with a moment of comforting reunion amidst the tragedy.
Explore all characters from The Hunter (2012). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Martin David (Willem Dafoe)
Martin is a disciplined and hyper-organized mercenary tasked with a morally complex mission. His dedication to the hunt contrasts with his growing empathy for the Armstrong family and their plight. As the story unfolds, he becomes increasingly conflicted about his role, revealing depth beyond his initial cold demeanor.
Lucy Armstrong
Lucy is a troubled woman coping with her husband's disappearance and the effects of heavy medication. Her character is marked by vulnerability as she struggles to care for her children while being trapped in a cycle of dependency. Her interactions with Martin drive home the film's themes of loss and redemption.
Jack Mindy (Sam Neill)
Jack is a compassionate figure who unofficially looks after the Armstrong family, delivering medication to Lucy. His character embodies the community's struggles and the thin line between helping and hindering. He contributes to the narrative's deeper commentary on environmentalism and personal responsibility.
Katie Armstrong
Katie is one of the Armstrong children, innocent and curious about her surroundings. Through her, the film illustrates the impact of adult decisions on youth, particularly the themes of loss and the enduring spirit of hope that children can embody even amidst tragedy.
Learn where and when The Hunter (2012) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie presents a contemporary setting that reflects ongoing conflicts between environmentalists and industrial interests. While not pinpointing an exact date, it captures a moment when the extinction of species is at the forefront of both local and global discussions, particularly in the context of biotechnology and conservation.
Location
Tasmania, Hobart
Tasmania is an island state of Australia known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. Specifically, Hobart, the capital city, serves as the gateway to the island's natural resources and is notorious for its colonial architecture amid breathtaking landscapes. The dense bush and remote areas highlight the ecological significance of Tasmania, made famous by its endemic species like the Tasmanian tiger.
Discover the main themes in The Hunter (2012). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Ethics
The movie delves into the ethical dilemmas of conservation versus exploitation. It highlights the moral complexities faced by individuals who must navigate corporate greed, environmental preservation, and the impact of their actions on local communities. Martin's internal struggle reflects the broader conflict between humanity's desires and nature's rights.
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Survival
Survival is a core theme as Martin must adapt to the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania. His skills as a hunter and his resourcefulness are put to the test while navigating threats from both the environment and rival operatives. This theme also extends to the survival of species, particularly the endangered Tasmanian tiger.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, as characters grapple with the consequences of disappearance and death. Martin's connection with the Armstrong family highlights the emotional toll of their struggles and ultimately culminates in profound loss, embodying both personal and ecological dimensions. The film underscores the lasting impact of grief and the quest for closure.
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