User reviews

This short film really hit a chord with me. Clocking in at 10 minutes, Hunting Bears is evenly paced and builds to a climatic conclusion. It focusses on the lives of two brothers; Kenny, who suffers with alzheimer's, and Andy, the youngest of the two, who is now Kenny's carer. The overall idea here is, "Who cares for the carer?", as it comes quite apparent that Andy is struggling with his new role as a 24/7 carer for his older brother.

Nathaniel Parker and Joel Beckett are magnificent in their roles. The director, Jason Ruddy, has directed and written a well rounded short here, that shows he is in control of what he wants to achieve with this piece. The cinematography is masterfully done and the soundtrack from Dave Rowntree fits the short perfectly. I will look forward to seeing what the director does next.

I got to see this short at a short film festival in June and it was one that didn't leave me for days. It tackles several important themes, and ones that most filmmakers would shy away from incase of not handling them right. Hunting Bears delivers an emotional story that packs a few punches. It is not scared to show the reality of the subject matter - which some may not appreciate. But because of this rawness and honesty, we are left with a film that is controversial for those that don't understand it. It's beautifully shot and well put together. I was blown away by the performances, and this being a debut film, I really was surprised how good it was. Worth 10 minutes of your time if you're able to catch it.

I throughly enjoyed this short form drama. It explores the themes of mental health and Alzheimers, and how carers are often forgotten about. Really great performances from the lead actors and a well composed soundtrack. Worth a watch!

I recently viewed this short online and felt compelled to leave a review. It's not often you see a short that sticks with you - and this one does just that. I enjoyed it so much that I viewed it twice and I'm sure I will return to it again in the future. It is a dark drama set around the themes of caring and mental health - themes that are not covered enough on screen. Wonderful performances from the lead actors, Nathaniel Parker and Joel Beckett. I was also blown away by the fact that this was a debut from the director, as the direction and writing was fantastic. I would love to see what the director does next as this was an interesting first film and a conversation starter for what it covers.

Jason Ruddy solidly crafts suspense in this short that will surprise you and lead you to reflect on societal standards and pressures regarding caretaking.

HUNTING BEARS is meaningful storytelling wrapped in (and upending) genre conventions. Worth the watch.

I throughly enjoyed this short film. It's dark, gritty and very real. All the right ingredients for a dark drama.

The acting from the main cast is superb, with Nathaniel Parker putting on a rememberable performance that is award worthy.

As it's short format, it's just 10 minutes, but I would have happily watched a much longer version of this to see the relationship between the brothers develop.

The soundtrack works really well with the mood and tone of the film, and adds another layer - as all soundtracks should.

It's a film I will revisit in the future and will definitely stay with me for the next few days. Looking forward to seeing what comes from the director, Jason Ruddy, next.

I came across this film online and felt compelled to rate and leave a user review after watching.

The film centres around two brothers; Kenny and Andy. Kenny has Alzheimer's and is in need of 24/7 care due to his condition. This is all left to Andy due to no help from the state and no other family members to help support. Due to the stress and pressure such a role can take on a carer, Andy often visits a childhood spot in the woods with Kenny to escape it all. However on this occasion something is not quite right, with Andy often on edge and angry at the situation he finds himself in.

The performances from the lead actors are superb. A lovely gem of a film for those that enjoy dark dramas with heavy themes.

I just watched Jason Ruddy's short film Hunting Bears, and wow, it really hit me. It's about two brothers: Kenny, who has Alzheimer's, and Andy, who's taking care of him. The story feels so real and heartbreaking, especially seeing how much Andy is struggling to balance love and frustration. You can tell he cares deeply, but the weight of it all is so heavy.

The setting really stuck with me too. Most of the film takes place in this snowy, quiet forest, and it's almost like the environment reflects their emotions-lonely, beautiful, and overwhelming all at once. The music adds another layer, making some scenes feel almost magical but in a bittersweet way.

Nathaniel Parker and Joel Beckett, who play the brothers, are incredible. Their performances felt so honest, especially in the smaller moments. There's one scene where they're just sitting together, and you can feel everything - love, sadness, and even a little hope - all without saying much.

If you've ever cared for someone or seen a loved one change because of illness, this film will stay with you. It's only 10 minutes long, but it packs so much emotion. It reminded me how complicated relationships can be, especially when life throws something as tough as Alzheimer's into the mix. Definitely worth a watch.

Hunting Bears by Jason Ruddy is a visually striking and emotionally charged short film that delves into themes of grief, guilt, and memory. Through masterful direction and a sharply written script, Ruddy crafts a narrative that is both intimate and enigmatic, leaving much for the viewer to interpret. The film's haunting cinematography and an evocative score from Blur's drummer Dave Rowntree, create an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Its minimalist approach to storytelling, paired with strong performances, makes Hunting Bears a compelling exploration of the human psyche.

Hunting Bears is a dark drama, with also a slight thriller aspect to it. The performances from the leads (Nathaniel Parker and Joel Beckett) is flawless. I would love to see them both perform together again, as there was a real sense of chemistry between them - even in a film of this kind.

There are not many films that touch the subject of carers and how looking after a loved one might affect them mentally. Hunting Bears explores this subject carefully and clearly lovingly, but also in a thought provoking way.

Overall I really enjoyed it (would have loved it to be longer). It is definitely a short that will stay with me for a while.

Jason Ruddy's short film Hunting Bears is a poignant exploration of familial bonds strained under the weight of caregiving. The story centers on Kenny (Nathaniel Parker), a man battling Alzheimer's, and his brother Andy (Joel Beckett), who shoulders the role of caregiver. The film sensitively portrays the emotional complexity of their relationship, highlighting themes of duty, loss, and identity.

Visually, the film is stunning. The woodland setting, captured through Suzanne Smith's cinematography, creates an ethereal, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Snow-covered terrain and overcast skies mirror the emotional isolation of the characters. Dave Rowntree's evocative score further enhances the narrative, underscoring moments of tension and tenderness.

The performances are exceptional. Parker delivers a heartfelt portrayal of a man losing his grasp on reality, while Beckett skillfully conveys the quiet frustrations and deep love of a caregiver. The dialogue feels natural and raw, allowing the story's emotional weight to resonate deeply with viewers.

Ruddy's direction is precise, balancing moments of introspection with an undercurrent of unease, reflecting the unpredictability of Alzheimer's. At just over 13 minutes, the film delivers a powerful narrative without feeling rushed, offering a nuanced look at caregiving's psychological toll.

Hunting Bears is a beautifully crafted short film that sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of caregiving within families. It's a deeply moving piece that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

This was a really nicely paced, well directed short film which tackles important themes when it comes to taboo subjects. For a low budget short, this film had really high production values, with great cinematography, incredible acting talent and a emotion, professional score. As a film lover and someone that appreciates short form film, Hunting Bears is one of the stand out ones I've seen. It stayed with me for several days, as all good films should, and since I have watched it another two times, picking up on little things I missed the first time round. Parker and Beckett are on top form, a duo who I think work well together and should be on screen more often. All in all, worth ten minutes of your time.

Wow, "Hunting Bears" by Jason Ruddy really hits you in the feels. It's a short film about two brothers dealing with the heavy stuff that comes with Alzheimer's. Kenny (played by Nathaniel Parker) is living with the disease, and Andy (Joel Beckett) is the brother trying to take care of him. The film follows their trip to the woods where they used to play as kids, and man, it's an emotional rollercoaster.

The acting is seriously top-notch. Parker does an amazing job showing how confusing and vulnerable life with Alzheimer's can be. Beckett is just as good, playing a guy who's clearly overwhelmed but still full of love for his brother. You can really feel how tough it is for him to juggle the frustration and guilt of being a caregiver.

Visually, the film is beautiful. The forest setting is peaceful but also kind of lonely, which fits perfectly with the story. The pacing is slow but in a good way-it lets you really soak in the emotions. By the end, you're left thinking about family, responsibility, and how hard it is to watch someone you love change right before your eyes.

One thing that stands out is how real everything feels. It doesn't sugarcoat the struggles, and that makes it even more powerful. Plus, the music by Dave Rowntree is subtle but adds a lot to the mood without being too much.

If you're into stories that are heartfelt and thought-provoking, "Hunting Bears" is definitely worth a watch. It might be a short film, but it packs a punch and sticks with you long after it's over.

Hunting Bears is a striking example of how less can be more. Clocking in at 10 minutes, the short film unfolds with quiet confidence, relying on atmosphere, subtle performances, and visual storytelling to build a deep sense of unease.

The plot is spare but effective - never overexplaining, instead trusting the viewer to piece things together. What stands out most is Ruddy's control of tone. From the first frame, there's a lingering sense of dread that only intensifies, even though the film rarely relies on overt horror tropes. It's psychological, internal, and eerie in the best way.

The cinematography is gorgeous and haunting, capturing wide, empty landscapes that echo the emotional isolation of the characters. There's a painterly quality to the framing - each shot feels intentional and loaded. The sound design is equally restrained, using silence and sparse noise to unsettling effect.

The performances are understated, which works perfectly for a story that values what's left unsaid. You get the sense that every glance and pause carries weight. There's something deeply human here about fear, grief, and possibly guilt - it invites interpretation, which makes it linger long after the credits roll.

Hunting Bears doesn't scream for your attention - it whispers, and somehow that's even more disturbing. A beautifully bleak little story that proves Jason Ruddy is a filmmaker to watch.

Hunting Bears, written and directed by Jason Ruddy, is a short film that really hits home emotionally. It follows two brothers - Kenny, who has Alzheimer's, and Andy, who's been taking care of him. Played by Nathaniel Parker and Joel Beckett, their relationship is complicated, full of love but also frustration. Andy takes Kenny into the woods, trying to reconnect and maybe escape the weight of being a full-time caregiver, but things don't go as planned.

The film does a great job of pulling you into its quiet tension. The wintry forest setting isn't just a backdrop - it reflects the loneliness and emotional weight these characters carry. You can almost feel the cold, hear the crunch of the snow, and sense the unspoken feelings between the brothers. The cinematography by Suzanne Smith makes everything feel raw and real, and the music, composed by Blur's Dave Rowntree, adds to the atmosphere without being overbearing.

What really makes Hunting Bears work is the performances. Nathaniel Parker is heartbreaking as Kenny, making his struggle with Alzheimer's feel incredibly authentic. Joel Beckett, as Andy, nails that mix of exhaustion, guilt, and deep love for his brother. It's a story about responsibility, frustration, and those complicated family ties that don't always have easy answers.

This isn't a flashy film - it's quiet, emotional, and lingers with you after it ends. If you're into short films that explore deep, human stories without sugarcoating things, Hunting Bears is definitely worth a watch. It's a beautifully shot, well-acted, and deeply personal look at the struggles of caregiving and what it means to truly be there for someone.

This wonderfully produced short has powerful messaging and delivery. It is well directed and carefully creates and builds tension providing a climatic ending that drives home a strong message. Although Kenny's brothers actions do not feel entirely justified within the context of the film, the emotions for which that character represents are well and truly understood and provide a symbolic reference for people experiencing similar situations and emotions. The cinematography worked well, and the scene where Kenny is holding his brother provides a powerful visual metaphor for his own experience in his condition.

I would definitely recommend this film, and hope more people take the opportunity to watch this gem.