Alexandre Trudeau's wilderness thriller, 'Hair of the Bear', fails to capture the essence of a gripping survival story, despite its intriguing premise. The film, co-directed by Trudeau and James McLellan, introduces us to Tori (Malia Baker), a troubled teenager who finds herself in a perilous situation in the frozen woods. While the story has the potential to be intense and emotionally charged, it falls short of delivering a thrilling experience. The film's pace is slow, taking too long to reveal the truth behind Tori's predicament, and the subsequent stand-offs lack the necessary emotional impact. The lack of extreme scenarios and intense action sequences, which are typically expected in survival movies, leaves the audience feeling exhausted and longing for rescue, much like Tori herself. Despite some admirable intentions, 'Hair of the Bear' fails to live up to its potential, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment. The film's weak points are evident from the opening frames, with the inexperience of the directors and the limited ambitions of the story. However, the casting of Roy Dupuis as Tori's grandfather, Ben, is an excellent decision, adding an air of gravitas to the film. Overall, 'Hair of the Bear' is a missed opportunity, and it may not appeal to those seeking survivalist excitement or a deep exploration of the Trudeau political legacy.
