SASQUATCH: A Compelling, Wild Ride

If you’ve followed my reviews at all, you’ll know I’m a fan of true crime, mysteries, and of course – the weird. So, when I heard about this series, which appeared to be a perfect combination of these ingredients, I was riveted. After finishing, I’m happy to report that Sasquatch truly is as fascinating as it initially seems.

Executed-produced by the Duplass brothers (of course!), this is a miniseries that you really need to experience, as each of the clues uncovered adds more to the intrigue of this long, strange trip. All of it feels earned, and every time you’ll think it’s coming to some sort of cohesive close, it takes another deep dive into a pool of mystery. Drugs, murder… Sasquatch?

Absolutely.

What unfolds does so naturally, even when it starts off as strange as a story can possibly begin. Beware though: this isn’t a fun-loving romp through the woods.

Myth, Monster- Man?

The series starts off with Gonzo Journalist David Holthouse sharing the story that started it all. In 1993, he was visiting a friend at a marijuana farm when two men run into their cabin claiming to have discovered bodies terribly mangled by Sasquatch. Unsure if it really occurred, he endeavors to find out. David decides to revisit this rural area in Northern California and find out just what those men were referring to. What he finds is one breadcrumb leading to another making a decidedly messy, disorienting wave of conspiracies, finger-pointing, and lots of, wtf?

Sasquatch starts off by interviewing a few believers of Bigfoot, each with their own opinion on the mythical creature. The series doesn’t spend a lot of time on the myth, but more on the man, and of course the monstrous form that can be taken. This was to be expected as I started, but I still didn’t expect this story to get as instinctually scary as it ended up.

With terrific direction by Joshua Rofé (Lorena) the investigation comes through the screen in a way that makes this an engaging series. At the center is David Holthouse, who is really a wonder. He’s clearly been through a lot and has a lot of experience in his field, navigating varied personalities and unexpected twists, managing to invite the viewer into this twisted web with relative ease. It allows us to find a comfortable backseat viewpoint in a discomforting trip.

This three-episode miniseries is easy to digest, so, perfect for binging (I dare you to do otherwise) and yet with each episode the direction veers, and with it, as an audience, the tension rises. Directed by Joshua Rofé, this is a series that feels inherently intimate, as it’s all from David‘s perspective, so the anxiety is palpable. David‘s reactions, mostly, mirror our own, making it an intriguing course that Sasquatch takes.

What’s really happening here? Is there something everyone is covering up? Who are these seemingly notorious people that are being brought up? In the deep, dark, woods, anything is possible.

Throughout the miniseries, a lot of names (some blocked out) are brought up, with many interviewees having their faces blurred or voices changed. Despite these precautions, some come across as genuinely intimidating. A lot of details about the people that worked in this area at this time come out over the course of the investigation, some true and some false. This trail thrives on rumors and conspiracies, and there’s plenty of those. In a lot of ways, this shows you the staying power of gossip.

There is something monstrous about this story that extends upon the screen, but what good true-crime series doesn’t tap into that? Yet, Sasquatch, at times, feels truly terrifying. A few times when some stories are being told, the series changes to animation, a welcomed aesthetic change that still manages to keep the eeriness alive.

There are a few times throughout the series where things seem to be headed one way and then drastically shift somewhere else. When you’re chasing 20+ year stories and running off the fuel of the memories of others, you’re bound to hit some snags. Yet each dead-end imbues a level of fascination, making you even more invested because the desire to know is so prevalent. I was taken aback by how many times I felt duped by what had been told, and so it wasn’t surprising that it held me until the final credits.

Conclusion: Sasquatch

Sasquatch manages to bring together a sense of realism while it investigates something that doesn’t seem… well, real. Three episodes turn out to be the perfect number here because Sasquatch is able to share this story without hitting any pacing snares.

The story is a looming one, hanging over like a dark cloud that never seems to let up. While the title initially brings your curiosity, it’s the team behind it, navigating this wild-tale, that’ll keep you. David Holthouse is our perfect guide on this unexpected ride, and this gripping, strange true-crime story is bound to be an unforgettable one for viewers.

Have you seen Sasquatch? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Sasquatch is currently streaming on Hulu.

To read our interview with director Joshua Rofé, click here.