The Python Hunt is a fantastic premise. Every year, the Florida government holds a ten day competition to remove invasive pythons from the Everglades. This promises eccentric characters, tension, and conflict. But is there more to the story than just a bunch of amateur hunters?
The quick answer is yes, and exploring these characters is the documentary’s biggest strength. Over one thousand participants from all over the world come to take part in the annual python hunt. Director Xander Robin uses his time wisely. There are a number of people introduced, by only a few that are the focus.
The main characters include a nature enthusiast who wants to pith a python, her guide who is also the local newspaper reporter, and an expert python hunter who is beginning to look at life differently. The Python Hunt does an excellent job of making audiences interested in each one. While there is humor to be found in their eccentricities, the film is never laughing at them. It is more of a slice of life exploration of them at the moment.
Which makes it disappointing that The Python Hunt does not delve a little deeper. It is filled with dangling plot lines. There are characters that are introduced and never seen again. Some bring flavor to the story, but others feel unnecessary. This is most evident towards the end when the documentary shifts away from a character study and more about a large cover-up.
That being said, the one character arc it does follow through is intriguing. The person is unintentionally funny and truly seems to have experienced epiphany. Throughout the entire runtime, it is an engrossing watch. The Python Hunt makes some missteps along the way, but it is one of the most unique and interesting releases of the year.
