The Violence of the Hunt
Bella is a loving mother to Ricky, and is very gentle and understanding. However, when she takes him hunting, she turns into a violent monster, pouncing on the animal and stabbing it in a bloody mess. This moment is played for laughs, and the image is meant to comically contrast with what a sweet person Bella is in her daily life. The violence is over the top and cartoonish, with blood flying through the air.
Ricky Himself
Ricky's appearance is a visual centerpiece of the film. He is a chubby little boy who looks rather ineffectual, but he dresses himself in the streetwear of a "gangsta," with a flat-brimmed hat and baggy clothes. The contrast between his pinch-able, innocent cheeks and the persona he tries to project with his clothes is a comedic image that tells us a lot about his character.
Burning barn
Before he sets off to the bush, Ricky tries to fake his death by burning the barn, a place he once called home. The fire gets out of control and Ricky has to run away quickly, scared that he will be found out.
The Bush
A striking recurrent image in the film is the natural splendor of New Zealand. The wilderness of the film is portrayed with sweeping shots of its natural beauty, and it consistently serves as a visually stunning backdrop for the ridiculous antics of the characters, both dangerous and beautiful.
