Big Game

Big Game is an endearing action-adventure film from 2014 directed by Jalmari Helander, best known for his work on Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. The eclectic cast is anchored by veteran actor Samuel L. Jackson, with compelling performances by Finnish actor Onni Tommila and Ray Stevenson. The fusion of an old-fashioned adventure premise with high-tension action sequences makes Big Game a thrilling watch.

The plot of Big Game spins around the concept of an adventurous coming of age contrasted with high-stakes geopolitical intrigue. The audience is first introduced to Oskari (Onni Tommila), a thirteen-year-old boy from a rugged, remote Finnish community. As a traditional rite of passage into manhood, Oskari is sent into the sprawling Nordic wilderness armed with only a bow and arrow. This initiation, intended to prove his courage and hunting skills, unwittingly forces Oskari into the centre of an international crisis.

While Oskari is navigating the wilderness, Air Force One, carrying the President of the United States, William Alan Moore (Samuel L. Jackson), is shot down by terrorists over Finnish airspace. Moore finds himself stranded in the unforgiving wilderness, battling against time, the elements, and his enemies who are hell-bent on capturing him. Battered and bruised, but alive, President Moore stumbles across young Oskari.

In a strange bout of fate, the unlikely duo of the powerful leader of the free world and the young teenager unite. The president, used to the safety and comfort of his Oval Office, finds himself dependent on the inexperienced but brave Oskari. Meanwhile, Oskari finds himself in a real-life adventure that transcends all his childhood imaginary games, pushing him to his limits both mentally and physically.

Ray Stevenson portrays a duplicitous Secret Service agent, tying in a subplot of betrayal and conspiracy that ratchets up the suspense element in the narrative. Adding another layer of intrigue, the story also involves the Vice President (Victor Garber) and the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (Felicity Huffman) navigating the crisis from Washington.

What makes Big Game stand out is its undulating rhythm between visceral action and heartwarming emotion. The heart of the film lies in the unconventional bond that forms between Oskari and President Moore. It explores themes of courage, self-discovery, and resilience against a backdrop of high-octane action and treacherous political craft.

On the cinematic front, amidst the adrenaline-pumping sequences and thrilling chase scenes, the film is visually stunning, capturing the beauty and menace of the expansive Finnish wilderness. The cinematography and the special effects are effectively utilised to simultaneously portray the terrain as a playground for adventure and a theatre of survival against nature and the rogue terrorists.

Samuel L. Jackson turns in an impressive performance as President Moore with a nuanced portrayal that deftly combines a range of emotions from fear and vulnerability to resilience. Onni Tommila stands his ground against Jackson, providing a compelling act as the young protagonist plunged into unforeseen dangers. The rest of the supporting cast, including Stevenson, Garber, and Huffman, deliver solid performances fulfilling the needs of the plot and adding depth to the story.

Big Game is an exciting and occasionally cheeky blend of old-school adventure and contemporary political thriller, packing its narrative full of tension, emotion, and heart. From the audience standpoint, the action unravels from the Finnish wilderness to the corridors of power in Washington D.C., providing a riveting watch throughout. Despite its high-stakes and action-packed premise, the film keeps its heart by exploring the unlikely friendship that forms in the face of crisis, and the rite of passage that matures a boy faster than the wilderness ever could.