How do the developing relationships in the film help Ricky to transition from a ‘real bad egg’

into one who feels a sense of belonging with those around him?

As humans we grow and change from our relationships with others. In the film Hunt for the
Wilderpeople, directed by Taika Waititi, Ricky Baker is an orphan who is being taken into a
foster home by Bella and Hector. Ricky transitions from a ‘real bad egg’ to a child who feels
accepted by others. Relationships are an important part of his development. Ricky’s short
relationship with Bella assisted him with feeling belonged in his new foster home. Ricky’s
relationship with Hector transforms Ricky into one who feels a sense of belonging because of
they grow from each other and with each other.

Bella’s relationship with Ricky helps him to feel belonged within his new foster home. When
Ricky first sees his room, the items found in the room such as books are placed there because
Bella heard he enjoys books. A panning shot is used to capture all the items which help with the
idea of detail being put into the room because Bella remembers what is in the room.
Furthermore, during Ricky’s attempt to run away, Bella finds him not far from the house. Bella
tells Ricky, he can run away after breakfast. During this scene there is an normal camera angle
shot of Bella and Ricky walking back to the house, with the house in the background. This
technique helps to portray the idea that Ricky is going back to the house with Bella to a place
he is becoming more comfortable with. Bella is a vital part of Ricky’s development from a ‘real
bad egg’ to a boy who feels comfortable and belonging.

Hector and Ricky have a complicated relationship, but within the film they grow together and
feel comfortable with each other. The first dinner Bella, Hector and Ricky had together showed
their distance. The editing of the table with Ricky on one side of the table and the couple of the
other, and each end of the table being shown once at a time, exaggerated the space in the
relationships of Ricky and the couple. During this time in the movie Ricky felt like an outsider. A
few weeks later while Ricky and Hector were in a camp in the woods, they share their personal
stories and their sorrows. A wide shot is used to focus on the warmth of the fire the two are
sharing. This symbolises friendship and companionship, also the warm glow of the fire creates a
feeling of safety and security within the bush. This event shows they display friendship through
sharing their personal stories. When Ricky and Hector are at Psycho Sam’s place on the bunk
bed and talking, they are seen as close friends. Framing and two shot is used for this scene.
These techniques show they are closer because they’re both in the same frame and bunk bed.
Hector and Ricky end up with the strongest relationship, and one of the most vital relationships
to help Ricky transform from a ‘real bad egg’ to one who feels belonging.
Relationships is a key theme for Ricky’s change from a ‘real bad egg’ to one who feels a sense of
belonging with those around him. Bella helps Ricky feel safe within the home by making Ricky
welcome with the items in his room and making sure Ricky has breakfast before he runs away.
Hector’s relationship with Ricky, their struggles and journey help Ricky from a ‘real bad egg’ to
someone who feels belonging.