Reviewed on the 18th of February at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, Christophe Zajac-Denek, Nathan Zellner
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: David Zellner and Nathan Zellner
In Irish Cinemas: 14th June 2024
‘Sasquatch Sunset’ is a film that delights in its signature gross-out humour yet uncovers a heartfelt narrative beneath. The Zellner Brothers bring a blend of quirkiness and depth to their films, which is evident in their latest release. Known for their distinct style of dark humour, the directing duo has explored a variety of genres. Their previous work, including the underrated ‘Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter’ from 2014 and ‘Damsel ‘, is a testament to their unique ambition and originality. ‘Sasquatch Sunset’ is no exception, as it makes you laugh but also incorporates profound moments that elude straightforward categorisation. Its fluid narrative style, which is a challenge to describe, adds to the film’s intrigue.
Let’s begin with the cast, whose identities are obscured by their elaborate costumes. Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and co-director Nathan Zellner lead this ensemble. They fully immerse themselves in the creative challenge of bringing Sasquatch Sunset to life. Their facial expressions, particularly their eyes, convey intricate performances that add unexpected nuance and tenderness to a Sasquatch film. To accurately portray the Sasquatch behaviour, the cast trained with a mime coach, adopting continuous movements characteristic of these creatures. The characters experience and display every conceivable body fluid in this raw depiction, filled with vomit, nudity, and graphic scenes. In one notable scene, the characters experience a moment of discovery, resulting in metaphorical and literal chaos.
Surprisingly, the plot description of Sasquatch Sunset reveals that the film maintains its runtime through the Sasquatch’s escapades in the forest. These adventures range from the comical mishap with a snapping turtle to the hilariously grotesque act of eating fish. Despite the story’s seemingly improvised nature, the pacing remains engaging. Though devoid of dialogue, the film is rich in substance, with a narrative gradually building towards a significant climax in the third act. The plot hints at a more profound meaning even in its tender or absurd moments.
Sasquatch Sunset surprised me with several unexpected moments that caught me entirely off guard. These scenes shattered my expectations and established a profound emotional atmosphere filled with solemnity, profound sadness, and deep reflection. The film delves into the creatures’ intrinsic connection to the woods, the earth, and each other, all depicted through a tender and empathetic lens. At its core, Sasquatch Sunset is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one through the wilderness. This art-house experiment invites audiences to engage with it on a deeper level and would be confident that it will resonate with a particular group of moviegoers. With its potential to achieve cult classic status and inspire many memes, this film is poised to leave a lasting impression.
Overall: 6.5/10
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