The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Film Review: ‘Trophy’

by Stephen Jones August 28, 2017
by Stephen Jones August 28, 2017 0 comments
2.1K

Trophy is not an easy film to watch.

Nor is it a film that will make people on either side of the moral line regarding trophy hunting completely happy. And that’s a good thing. What could have been a one-sided collection of evidence unquestionably demonstrating the ills of the trophy hunting industry is something much more compelling, much more troubling, and much more morally ambiguous than could have expected. (And, for all I know, the filmmakers expected.)

It’s very easy and completely understandable to see pictures of hunters posing with lions, elephants, crocodiles, etc., and be outraged. (Remember the outrage caused by the killing of Cecil the Lion? Well, that whole fiasco pops up in the film.) Many trophy hunters’ targets are on endangered species lists, after all. To someone unfamiliar with the trade it looks like folks with no regard for wildlife or delicate ecosystems flagrantly taunting Mother Nature.

The brilliance of Trophy is that it recognizes this, and the many long, lingering shots of the aftermath of the hunt — a young elephant lying solitary in a seemingly endless plain; men covering the blood on a lion’s fur to conceal it for the photograph — suggest a degree of empathy on the part of directors Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz. And while recognizing the bloodshed incurred and whatever feeling of grief, rage, sadness, or disgust it may elicit from the viewer (depending on the viewer’s stance on hunting in general, and trophy hunting of exotic animals in particular), it invites a dialectical conversation between two (well, more actually) sides that have more in common than they might think. Hunting and conversation are closely intertwined, and trying to unravel that tangled ball of yarn is the backbone (narratively and thematically) of Trophy.

Trophy follows several hunters, conservationists, and owners of trophy hunting companies. One American hunter, Philip Glass (no, not that one), is after the Big Five, which is to say hunting the five most desired animals in the trophy hunting community: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, rhino (African variety, all).

There’s also John Hume (again, not that one), a rhino farmer in South Africa fighting to make trading rhino horns legal again. Statistics show that rhino poaching went up dramatically year-by-year after the ban was implemented. Hume’s theory is that if it can be harvested, bought and sold legally that poachers would have no more incentive to hunt.

There are more figures, but to list them all would take all day. Just take it from me that there are perspectives from a couple of big game breeders who raise animals specifically for the hunt as well as an anti-big game hunting activist.

One of the most compelling stories comes from a man who formed an anti-poaching police force of sorts. They use, shall we say, morally gray tactics on occasion to weed out poachers. (A harrowing scene involving threats of death comes to mind.)

One of the most admirable things about the film is the way in which it explores the deep love of animals that possess hunters and conservationists alike. Even when it’s lingering in the bloodshed, the filmmakers portray all their subjects nonjudgmentally. Philip Glass, for example, waxes poetic about the well of emotions after the kill, for example. Tears are shed by many.

With so many perspectives, lesser directors could easily muddle everything up and present nothing more than major information overload. But Clusiau and Shaul present to us a masterclass on juggling multiple plot threads and conflicting arguments.

But I’m not going to lay out all the film’s arguments here. That would be a disservice. Rather, I’ll give my wholehearted recommendation.

Knowing only the synopsis before I saw it, I expected pleasant confirmation of my bias: that trophy hunting is probably Not Good. When the credits rolled, I found myself in a bit of a moral dilemma. Not being a hunter myself, I generally oppose killing for sport (much to the confusion and light derision of certain family members). But Trophy so intricately so succinctly presents a variety of arguments from ethical, economic, and environmental points of view that it managed to shake the foundation of my morals regarding the subject. I was left with questions about many issues to which I, like the film, have no answers.

Opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, September 8.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65OCUtz-aIM

huntingTrophy
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Stephen Jones

previous post
Scoreboard: Kesha’s Comeback
next post
Leikeli47 Headlines Red Bull Sound Select At Baby’s All Right In BK

Related Posts

Not Ready for Prime Time: How MCC Theater...

October 24, 2025

Victoria Justice Hosts “LOVE ZOMBIE” Halloween Bash on...

October 24, 2025

The Familial Meta-Drama of Sentimental Value

October 23, 2025

Renowned Restaurant Fresco by Scotto Debuts a New...

October 22, 2025

Cedric the Entertainer Reflects on The Neighborhood’s Final...

October 22, 2025

It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Non-Spoiler Review

October 22, 2025

New York City Wine & Food Festival Wraps...

October 22, 2025

Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster & Leslie Odom Jr....

October 22, 2025

James Callis, Shaul Metzstein & Nick Mohammed Talks...

October 21, 2025

AIF 2025 Festival Opens with Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet

October 21, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch