Poacher

As an enthralling drama and thriller, Poacher grips audiences with its depiction of the underground ivory trade's harsh realities in Kenya, through the trajectory of life-altering decisions of its central characters, masterfully played by Brian Ogola, Davina Leonard, and Lenny Juma. The 2018 film directed by Tom Whitworth combines raw emotion, gripping narrative style, and the sophisticated palette of cinematography to render a poignant tapestry of desperation, greed, honor, and survival.

The film's main character, a local farmer named Lukas (Brian Ogola), is burdened with financial constraints and family responsibilities. Struggling to make ends meet in rural Kenya, he stands at a crossroads where he has to decide between ethical rectitude and overwhelming desperation. The movie captures the dilemma Lukas faces, almost forcing the audience to grapple with the choices he has to make, essentially blurring the lines between being a lawful citizen and a desperate family man. With each decision he makes, he spirals further into the dangerous and deadly arena of the illegal ivory trade.

While Lukas wrestles with his own conscience and the balancing act of his survival, his encounter with the film's second lead, an enthusiastic yet determined British documentary filmmaker, Kate (Davina Leonard), adds another perspective to this complex web. Kate, who comes to Africa with the hope of exposing the brutal underlying reality of these endangered wildlife poaching acts, is unaware of the depth and darkness she is about to unravel.

Davina Leonard's portrayal of Kate is remarkable as an outsider trying to understand the horrors of a grim reality that is worlds apart from her regular life. Her stern determination to expose these illicit activities juxtaposed against her innate vulnerability when faced with harsh truths brings dynamic depth to the film's storyline.

Lenny Juma, another pivotal character in the film, further enhances the narrative complexity by embodying a character that can be considered morally ambivalent. His performance does a fantastic job showing the struggle between safeguarding personal interests and a latent sense of moral responsibility. The intricate web of human emotions, selfish motivations, and societal pressures reflected through Juma's character contributes significantly to the film's overall drama and suspense.

Whitworth explores the themes of desperation, morality, and brutality in a socio-economic context with astute sensitivity. The movie is not just a critique on poaching practices but also an examination of the socio-economic conditions that create circumstances wherein individuals feel compelled to take dangerous paths.

What sets Poacher apart is its visual storytelling. Whitworth, along with Cinematographer John Wambugu, captures the scenic landscapes of Kenya in contrast to the horrifyingly grotesque world of the illicit trade, establishing a compelling contrast throughout the film. The serene beauty of the African Savannah juxtaposed with the brutal depiction of poaching uncovers a profound commentary on humanity's paradoxical relationship with nature.

The impactful sound design and Kenyan-flavored music score further play a major role in enhancing the narrative and evoking emotions. The heart-stopping suspense of chasing scenes, the haunting silence of the crime, or the melancholic rhythm accompanying Lukas's gut-wrenching struggle, music and sound effects manage to amplify the narrative to an experiential level for the audience.

Yet, Poacher never shies away from the grim reality of its central issue. The narrative direction of the film showcases a deep unease and respect for life – human and animal alike – that is often ignored. With its gritty and realistic portrayal, the film attempts to embed a profound and thought-provoking message about survival, the value of life, and the blurred moral lines against the backdrop of economically disadvantaged societies.

Poacher is a film that manages to blur the lines between being an out-and-out thriller and a societal critique. Characters portrayed by Brian Ogola, Davina Leonard, and Lenny Juma breathe life into the narrative, pushing it from being just another story about wildlife crime to a deeply stirring exploration of human vulnerability, resilience, and the realities of survival. The film's holistic approach towards poaching and the illicit ivory trade, the universally relatable human themes, and a narrative linked intrinsically to the heart of Africa are what make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.