Through the late 19th and early 20th century, humans moved deeper and deeper into the American wilderness. As stories of manifest destiny and westward expansion continued, so too did the tall tales of the woods. Sasquatch Sunset, directed by Nathan and David Zellner, follows four cryptids as they travel through the woods. It’s an absurdly funny tale, but it’s also one that takes on the most human of stories. As they strive to find their way in the world, even a sasquatch needs family. While this might be trite, the Zellners throw enough unique ideas into the movie to shift the conversation away from their bodily fluid-hurling protagonists. Instead, we question our place in the ecosystem.

A group of four sasquatch creatures wander through the Pacific Northwest over a year. Over the course of the four seasons, their roles change. A patriarch (Nathan Zellner) leads his clan deeper into the woods. His mate (Riley Keough) helps build shelters and serves as his companion. The child of the group (Christophe Zajac-Denek) sticks by his mother to survive. A younger male (Jesse Eisenberg) tries to find his place in the clan without repeating the mistakes of the patriarch. As seasons shift, so too do the dangers. The family does not only fight against the elements but a changing ecology as well.

It’s undeniable that Sasquatch Sunset is among the strangest films you’ve ever seen. There’s no question that these are the creatures we think of when we perceive of “Big Foot” or “Skunk Apes.” As such, the language is kept to a minimum, requiring the cast to deliver performances more in line with chimpanzees and orangutans than compared to humans. These are animals and do not have the same holdups about scatological communication as humans do. The Zellners do not ignore this idea. You see more bile, excrement, and puke than you might expect.

However, if you can overcome this initial hurdle, the rewards will be bountiful. Sasquatch Sunset never shies away from its childish humor and rewards us for that confidence. The laughs bond us to the characters who cannot express their opinions vocally. It also helps us understand their frustrations and expectations from the world around them. Simultaneously, the lack of communication can slow down Sasquatch, even causing us to revisit ideas that feel present earlier in the story. The Zellners mostly keep the story moving forward, but even at less than ninety minutes, a few scenes feel too bloated.

Additionally, the four roles require extreme commitment. It’s not just the choice to go under layers of makeup and fur that make this required. It’s that the emotional tones of Sasquatch Sunset shift between comedy and heartbreak. As Keough and Eisenberg play up the slapstick elements, they also bring incredible pathos through their eye work. As ostensibly the only real aspect of the actors visible on screen, their joys and frustrations must shine through. Both excel, with Keough truly showcasing some career best work. It’s awards-worthy work, especially given her character arc. She becomes the heartbeat of the strange Sasquatch Sunset, moving you to tears by its conclusion.

Additionally, the Zellners leverage the natural beauty of the world. With DP Mike Gioulakis, they bring the beautiful woods to life. They also make commonplace things in our world feel dangerous and scary. A particular scene with a log will stick in your mind for years. Other moments remind us of the social complexities within the Sasquatch culture (as we get to know it). The excellent makeup and costume work also demand extreme closeups, and Gioulakis shoots the troupe in a way that you never lose the intimacy of the camera. The final shot of Sasquatch Sunset is one of the best images of 2024.

Where you land on the family drama of the movie may sway your opinion. However, it’s clear the Zellners want you to imagine the power of human action in the wilderness. It’s not even our active lives, but the seemingly passive items can wreak the most havoc. A byproduct of humans’ need for resources treads a deadly line. A road becomes horrific in the minds of the creatures, cutting directly through a path they’ve roamed for decades.

Even something as innocuous as music disrupts and confuses the creatures. It’s not always our active presence on the land but the ways we’ve drastically altered it beyond recognition that exerts our privilege over every living creature. While Sasquatch Sunset focuses on fictional creatures, the same lessons could apply to endangered birds or rhinos, which may face extinction even if they adapt. It’s a powerful story and should help the audience understand its power over the natural world with even our seemingly benign choices.

With a stunning piece of visual storytelling and four committed performers, it’s easy to fall in love with Sasquatch Sunset. It’s among the strangest movies of the year, and it’s no wonder Ari Aster was drawn to produce it. It’s very much a funnier version of the humor throughout The Lighthouse, and yet it’s also a more heartwarming tale than his movies. The Zellners will draw eyes thanks to Sasquatch Sunset‘s premise, but it’s the heart present throughout the film that keeps it with you after the credits roll.

Alan’s Rating: 8/10Watch Sasquatch Sunset in limited theaters on April 12th, 2024. It expands to Orlando and other markets on April 19th. Bleeker Street distributes. Please check out other Sunshine State Cineplex reviews here!The post Review: SASQUATCH SUNSET – A Stirring and Strange Allegory appeared first on Sunshine State Cineplex.