Somewhere out in the dark forests is Bigfoot, or the Yeti, or the Sasquatch – depending on your region and the stories you grew up with. But while the lovers of cryptids and the mythical may love the idea of Sasquatch existing, they may want to stop looking for the half-man, half-beast creature that lives deep in the woods after watching Sasquatch Sunset.
The new movie, released by Bleecker Street, follows the lives of a family of Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest for a year as they confront the modern world creeping closer to their lives. The movie is touted as a hilarious look at the obscure and possibly a more poignant look at reality – it just, isn’t. Sure, viewers may find a deeper messaging on how the ever-growing human population may put the nature and the creatures in it at risk – but do you really have to sit through 90 minutes of a movie to see that?
Instead, Sasquatch Sunset seems interminably long and while may have some funny moments they’re stuck between too many that are painful to watch. The cast, all dressed in Sasquatch costumes that are just a step above a party store version go through the woods living their lives. Don’t worry, it’s easy to tell which are male and female with their genitals on full display. Nothing is held back, except maybe the plot or dialogue. If you’re expecting something deep or a version of Sasquatch that can have conversations with each other – don’t go in with high hopes. Instead, you’re getting 90 minutes of grunts, clicks, and screeches. Sure, they’re wild animals in this movie, but this quickly loses its novelty and you wish there was a way to watch the movie at double speed or faster.
Sasquatch Sunset is disappointing. Yes, there’s a message that can be taken away, but it’s one that anyone can get just by looking out a window while driving. It’s not worth the time in the theater to see the movie. It’s painful at times and will make you wonder why you spent your time and money watching it. This isn’t a heart warming laugh you might expect if you grew up with Harry and the Hendersons, but instead a slow walk in the woods with no escape.
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About Sasquatch Sunset
In the misty forests of North America, a family of Sasquatches—possibly the last of their enigmatic kind— embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year. These shaggy and noble giants fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them. Starring Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg, acclaimed directors David and Nathan Zellner (Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter) bring you the greatest Bigfoot story ever told.