THE HUNTER

An ecological thriller about a professional animal killer and loner who discovers a newfound sense of stewardship for the planet, “The Hunter” is a mystery with a message. Martin (Willem Dafoe) is an elite hunter who has been hired by a mysterious firm to bag the last remaining example of a Tasmanian tiger. Martin’s efforts to track the animal are hampered by radical environmentalists, or “greenies.” A more interesting subplot involves Martin’s relationship with Lucy (Frances O’Connor) - a greenie in whose remote Tasmanian house he has set up camp - and her two children (Morgana Davies and Finn Woodlock). Australian television director Daniel Nettheim tells both stories well, braiding them together into a single thread with a firm hand and evocative visual style. The forests of Tasmania are brought to gorgeous life in a few moments of believably executed CGI. But the film’s neatest trick is convincing us of Martin’s transformation from hard-boiled mercenary to almost-family man. Dafoe carries off both extremes of Martin’s character with aplomb and psychological depth. At the core of the movie is the message that the real lonely hunter is the heart.

THE FORGER

A 15-year-old art prodigy (Josh Hutcherson) abandoned by his drug-addicted mother finds refuge in the picturesque village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif. While trying to survive on his own, he is introduced to the high-dollar underground world of art forgery. Shot in 2007 and originally named “Carmel-by-the-Sea,” this film finally was released on home video perhaps because of the rising profiles of young stars Hutcherson (“The Hunger Games”) and Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes,” “Scream 4”).

OUT THIS WEEK

“Battle Force,” “Jesus Henry Christ,” “Joe + Belle,” “An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars,” “Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern,” “Saturday Night Live: The Women of SNL,” “Midsomer Murders, Set 20,” “A Three Stooges Celebration,” “Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure,” “Looney Tunes: Platinum Collection”