“Hungry” (2026) / Z-View

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Hungry (2026)

Director:  James Nunn

Screenplay:   James Nunn

Stars:  Madison Davenport, Tracey Bonner, Joaquim de Almeida, Michel Curiel, Samantha Coughlan, Olivia Bernstone, Jim Meskimen and River Codack.

Tagline: This hippo isn’t playing games.

The Plot…

Alligator-watching in the Louisiana swamplands is a popular tourist attraction.  A group consisting of…

  • two twenty-somethings named Sistine and her best friend Hannah
  • Sally, a divorced single parent
  • Tim, Sally’s retired firefighter father
  • Mikey, Sally’s teenage son
  • Dionne Edwards, a snooty businesswoman
  • Rodrigo, the swampboat guide

… venture down one of the many bayous leading deep into the wilderness.

Before the group leaves they learn some swamp history including that hippos were once released into the swampland. Surprisingly, hippos are even more dangerous than alligators! But none have been seen in the area in decades. It is believed that none have survived.

The most deadly swamp animals are now alligators. The most dangerous alligator is a massive beast dubbed “Big Ben”.  Ben wears a tracker so that guides are always aware of his location.

Dionne secretly tips Rodrigo to take the group off the regular route.  She is determined to get a photo of Big Ben.  Unknown to the other passengers, they are going to venture into uncharted areas of the swamp.

When the group sees Big Ben they’re shocked.  Not because of Ben’s size, but because Ben is dead.  Something MUCH bigger than Ben bit him in half.

As Rodrigo attempts to get them out of the area, a rampaging hippo overturns the boat.  With no radio, no cell service and no transportation out, the group is stranded off the grid with an enraged hippo hunting them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

While the film was inspired by the children’s game Hungry Hungry Hippo, the movie isn’t for kids.

I was surprised to learn that at one time hippos really could once be found in Louisiana swamps. During the 1910 US beef shortage hippos were considered as a possible solution. The U.S. Congress debated importing African hippopotamuses to serve as a new meat source.  Hippos were released into Louisiana swamps.

Hungry isn’t a great movie but viewers may be surprised by who lives and who dies.

Hungry (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars.