Is Sasquatch Sunset the most eccentric film of the year? This quirky movie, styled like a nature documentary, shadowing a Bigfoot family over four seasons in the lush woods of Northern California, might just take that title. Featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, who are unrecognizable under heavy prosthetics, the film showcases the Sasquatch family as they eat, sleep, defecate, and even discover Erasure’s music, all while avoiding any on-screen humans.
Directed by the Zellner brothers, David and Nathan, the film stands out with zero dialogue and instead, employs grunts for communication. Although drama is hinted, the film includes long puzzling stretches that some may find dragging. Despite this, Sasquatch Sunset is a must-watch for fans of the absurd.
Not shy of surreal humour, the Zellners include scenes like an alpha Sasquatch getting high on poisonous mushrooms and making goo-goo eyes at a lion. There’s also a comical moment where a cassette player found in the forest terrifies the Sasquatch family with Erasure’s “Love To Hate You”. Stir in some bizarre mating scenes reminiscent of The Bloodhound Gang’s “Discovery Channel” lyric, and the film shifts between absurdity and base comedy.
Visually, Sasquatch Sunset is stunning, capturing Northern California’s forest like a love letter, almost expecting David Attenborough’s voiceover. Even with tender moments, such as a rescue scene involving Eisenberg’s character, the film lacks depth. Clocking in at only 85 minutes, it’s more oddity than masterpiece, but for those who persevere, this peculiar film offers a poignant journey. Just be ready for an unusual amount of Sasquatch bodily fluids.
