The Truffle Hunters Review: A Sumptuous and Fulfilling Look At This Unique Business

Release date: March 19, 2021
Running time: 84 minutes
Directors: Michael Dweck & Gregory Kershaw

Deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, a handful of men, seventy or eighty years young, hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle—which to date has resisted all of modern science’s efforts at cultivation. They’re guided by a secret culture and training passed down through generations, as well as by the noses of their cherished and expertly trained dogs. They live a simpler, slower way of life, in harmony with their loyal animals and their picture-perfect land, seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. They’re untethered to cell phone screens or the Internet, opting instead to make their food and drink by hand and prioritizing in-person connections and community.

The demand for white truffles increases year after year, even as the supply decreases. As a result of climate change, deforestation, and the lack of young people taking up the mantle, the truffle hunters’ secrets are more coveted than ever. However, as it soon becomes clear, these ageing men may just hold something much more valuable than even this prized delicacy: the secret to a rich and meaningful life.

The Truffle Hunters has a slow, deliberate start but I loved it.  Like a wonderful meal, you don't want to rush in and The Truffle Hunters lets you enjoy this film experience.  It introduces us to this strange and wonderful cast of hunters who seem right out of a dramatic movie.  They are quirky, genuine, and above all love life and their dogs.  I really loved seeing the connection to both the land and their animals as it is something that is so genuine to see.  And each of the hunters are unique but also quite similar in how they operate and respect the work that they are doing.

These truffle hunters work in a very different market and with a very different mentality than what many of us are used to.  Seeing this contrast is really a joy to see.  I really loved seeing how this business operated; it almost seemed like it was from another time.  Trust of others and each other was tantamount, and the hunters were competitive but also friendly and supportive to each other.  They would show each other their prizes and take actual joy in seeing their friends / rivals succeed.  The camaraderie was palatable between these old friends.  And many of the business relationships were built on trust and loyalty, which seems to be something of the past in today's culture.  

And overall, this felt like a very different film.  It is a documentary, but there is no narration and sometimes no structure.  But it has wonderful, sumptuous shots that let you fully savor this life and this business.  There are beautiful images of the forest where the truffles are found, of the hunters in their houses, and of some delicious food and truffles.  Many of the shots are unconventional but all of them are just pure delicious filmmaking.  And some shots stay longer than I am used to, but I really loved seeing every scene in this glimpse into this wonderful lifestyle.

The Truffle Hunters chronicles this unique business and its wonderful participants with sumptuous shots that let you fully savor the joy and traditions of this lifestyle.  

Watch it.

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The Truffle Hunters is in select theaters on March 19, 2021. For showtimes, click here.

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