Sean of The Daily Rotation wrote, "Based on the novel by Julia Leigh, The Hunter is the latest film from Magnolia Pictures stars Willem Dafoe as a scientist working for a shady bio-tech company called Red Leaf, who is sent to Tasmania to hunt down what is believed to be the last Tasmanian tiger, a carnivorous marsupial that is much bigger and more vicious than the famed Tasmanian devil. The last known Tasmanian tiger died in captivity in the 1930′s, all Martin David (Willem Defoe) has to go on is rumor an hearsay. In the years since the last known Tasmanian tiger was taken into captivity, locals tell stories of sightings of the mysterious creature, but no one has ever been able to come up with any evidence to support their claims."
Nicholas of Movies Hate You Too writes:
When it comes to Netflix Streaming it really feels like it’s feast or famine. Some months are great, others not so much. For August I’m leaning towards the latter, which is partially why this Netflix post is coming so late in the month. For August there are a couple decent new releases but they’re a little more art house than what most people are interested in. Otherwise there are some decent horror films (Halloween is just around the corner), 80s fans will find a couple entertaining one offs, Taco Bell is well represented in the 90s, and a couple new shows found their way into the stream. Overall its not a great month but who knows… maybe September will be gangbusters.
FMV says: "Anyone expecting a rollercoaster ride of outdoor action may well end up disappointed. If, however, you allow yourself to adjust to the film’s deliberate and carefully-measured pace, there’s quite a bit to admire."
Clickonline writes: "There’s a symbolic level to The Hunter too, of a man who is himself something of a relic on a quest to find a possibly extinct species which adds some depth to the final third and director Nettheim even throws in some intrigue, vacillating allegiances and one tension filled action scene to spice up matters further."
