Sasquatch Sunset
Movie Trailer
Release Date
April 12, 2024
Genre
Absurdist Fantasy Drama
Cast & Crew
- Jesse Eisenberg as the Male Sasquatch
- Riley Keough as the Female Sasquatch
- Christophe Zajac-Denek as the Child Sasquatch
- Nathan Zellner as the Alpha Male Sasquatch
Director
David Zellner and Nathan Zellner
Producer
- Lars Knudsen
- Tyler Campellone
- Nathan Zellner
- David Zellner
- George Rush
- Jesse Eisenberg
- David Harrari
Writer
David Zellner
Budget
Not publicly disclosed
Box Office Performance
$1 million
Production Company
- Square Peg
- ZBI
- The Space Program
Distributed By
Bleecker Street
Running Time
88 minutes
Languages
English (non-verbal communication only)
Content Advisory
- Surreal themes
- Animalistic behavior
- Mature content
Movie Story
“Sasquatch Sunset” is a unique and captivating absurdist fantasy drama that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of a family of Sasquatches living in the remote wilderness of Northern California. The film, directed by David and Nathan Zellner, is an exploration of nature, survival, and the primal instincts that govern the lives of these mythical creatures. Over the course of one year, the film follows the interactions and struggles of four Sasquatches: the brutish alpha male, his female mate, her male child, and another adult male, as they navigate the challenges of their existence.
The story unfolds in the spring as the Sasquatch family engages in their daily rituals, drumming on trees in hopes of communicating with others of their kind. The alpha male’s dominance is challenged when his advances are rejected by the female. Frustrated and confused, he turns his aggression on their shelter, attempting to use a stick in an inappropriate manner. His behavior escalates when he consumes a poisonous mushroom, leading him into a bizarre and dangerous encounter with a mountain lion. The following day, the child discovers the lion devouring the alpha’s remains, prompting the family to mourn and bury him, a somber moment that sets the tone for the film’s exploration of life and death.
As summer arrives, the dynamics within the remaining group shift. The female, now visibly pregnant, finds herself the object of the lone male’s attention. However, their attempts at mating are met with rejection and frustration. The family encounters signs of human presence—marked trees and a road—that invoke fear and confusion. Their discovery of a tagged log in a river results in tragedy when the male becomes trapped and drowns, leaving the female and child to continue their journey alone. The relentless forces of nature and their own instincts continue to shape their path, leading to moments of both profound connection and heartbreaking loss.
By the time winter sets in, the female and her child are struggling to survive in the harsh environment. They face new challenges, including a close encounter with a forest fire and a confrontation with the trappings of human civilization. Their journey ultimately leads them to the edge of the town of Willow Creek, where they attempt to communicate with a Sasquatch statue outside a local museum, only to be met with silence. “Sasquatch Sunset” is a haunting and surreal portrayal of the lives of these enigmatic creatures, blending absurdity with moments of raw emotion and reflection on the thin line between humanity and the wild.
Special Effects
The film’s special effects focus on the creation of realistic and immersive Sasquatch characters, achieved through a combination of practical effects, makeup, and expert movement coaching. The use of natural landscapes enhances the authenticity of the wilderness setting, creating a visually stunning and atmospheric experience.
Filming Locations
- Northern California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “In the silence of the forest, the echoes of survival ring loudest.” – Narrator
- “In the wild, love and fear are two sides of the same coin.” – Female Sasquatch (non-verbal communication)
Behind-the-Scenes
“Sasquatch Sunset” was a passion project for directors David and Nathan Zellner, who brought together a talented cast to explore the myth of Sasquatch in a new and imaginative way. Jesse Eisenberg, who also served as a producer, immersed himself in the role by participating in “Sasquatch School,” where he and his co-stars learned to embody the movements and behaviors of these creatures. The film’s unique approach to storytelling, using non-verbal communication and body language, sets it apart as a thought-provoking and visually striking piece of cinema.
Final Verdict
“Sasquatch Sunset” is an absurdist fantasy drama that pushes the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. Its surreal narrative, combined with powerful performances and stunning cinematography, makes it a must-watch for fans of avant-garde cinema. The Zellner brothers have crafted a film that is as thought-provoking as it is visually captivating, offering a rare glimpse into the imagined lives of one of the world’s most elusive creatures.
Image Source: Theatrical release poster