An overlooked action thriller movie gem is on TV tonight

Recently re-added to Netflix, the controversial film was dubbed 'the most talked about movie of the year... that no one's actually seen'.

The film sees 12 working-class strangers wake up in a remote clearing with no idea where they are or how they got there.

It turns out they have been kidnapped by ruthless elites (the leader of which is played by two-time Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby), who have gathered to hunt the 12 for sport.

One of those kidnapped, an army veteran named Crystal (Betty Gilpin, Glow), decides to fight back, however.

Co-written by Damon Lindelof (Lost, Watchmen) and directed by Craig Zobel (Mare of Easttown, The Penguin), The Hunt was originally titled Red State vs. Blue State.

The action thriller's release was overshadowed by both the Covid-19 pandemic and the movie becoming embroiled in a controversy involving US President Donald Trump, over its subject matter.

Though the politician didn't name the movie, he appeared to accuse it in a Tweet ahead of its release of being made "in order to inflame and cause chaos". You can read more about this right here.

The Trump controversy led to the film dubbing itself in its marketing "the most talked about movie of the year no one's actually seen".

The Hunt also had its release delayed as a result of the Dayton and El Paso mass shootings in 2019.

Though these events dominated the initial discussion around Lindelof and Zobel's film, we'd argue that the pair made a solid, mean-and-lean horror action thriller with a ferocious lead turn by Gilpin.

Also, The Hunt's strong dose of satirical black comedy - poking fun at people on both sides of America's political divide - and its great supporting cast make it well worth seeking out.

Alongside Gilpin and Swank, the movie's cast includes Emma Roberts (American Horror Story), Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl), Glenn Howerton (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Ike Barinholtz (The Studio) and Macon Blair (Oppenheimer).

The Hunt is airing on TV tonight on Film4 at 10.45pm. It was also recently re-added to Netflix.

Here are the other movies on TV tonight:

Stand By Me - Film4 - 9pm

The iconic '80s coming-of-age drama directed by Rob Reiner, based on a Stephen King story.

Rocky Balboa - ITV4 - 9pm

Sylvester Stallone's solid sixth outing as the titular boxer.

Death Race / War - Legend - 9pm / 11.10pm

A Jason Statham double bill.

The Foreigner - Legend Xtra - 9pm

Jackie Chan faces off against a Northern Irish politician (played by Pierce Brosnan) in this 2017 cult action flick from the director of Casino Royale.

Drive - Legend Xtra - 11.25pm

Ryan Gosling plays a getaway driver who gets in over his head while trying to help his kindly neighbour (Carey Mulligan).

This crime thriller is one of the coolest movies ever made.

The Hate U Give - Film4 - 12.30am

Starr (played by Amandla Stenberg) witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.

Praised for its timely story and lead performance, The Hate U Give boasts a whopping 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Jagged Edge - Legend - 1.15am

A lawyer (Glenn Close) gets in over her head when she reluctantly takes up the case of a publisher (Jeff Bridges) accused of murdering his wife for her money in this terrific legal thriller.