Poignant, evocative and deeply rewarding.

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2016)

Backing up from last year's Oscar winning Birdman was always going to be challenging for director Alejandro González Iñárritu, but he's unleashed an almighty wallop of a film that surpasses his previous effort in every way. Tracking 1820's frontiersman Hugh Glass as he endeavours to survive against inhospitable natural elements, merciless Indians and treacherous allies, this intense saga explores how strong the human spirit can be, even in the face of certain death. It's not an easy viewing experience, with Iñárritu displaying Glass' compounding problems in lengthy, uncomfortable sequences that prioritise grim reality – in all its brutal detail – over a more palatable form of entertainment. It's a bold choice, but one that ultimately pays off; the meticulous visual presentation and stunning cinematography combining with the immersive sound design to create a raw adventure that is both horrific and beautiful. Iñárritu's persistence with long, unbroken tracking shots continues on from Birdman, however he has taken it up a notch here, capturing whole sequences – including a vicious bear attack and the heart-pounding opening battle – with jaw-dropping ingenuity. Portrayed with poignancy by Leonardo DiCaprio, Glass is a stoic survivor who pushes through his physical struggles and emotional turmoil with gritty determination and powerful inner strength. Golden Globe down, Oscar to go. For those willing to spend two and a half hours in the harsh wilderness on a ferocious journey, both physically and mentally, The Revenant is a deeply evocative and rewarding experience.