By James Lindorf
Before being released on Hulu on April 20th, “Sasquatch” will be part of the Episodic Premieres at SXSW Online 2021. True crime stories may be more popular than ever before. Just look at the sheer number of shows, podcasts, and even the recent Saturday Night Live music video if you question how ubiquitous the genre is. “Sasquatch” is a true-crime documentary series that may be one of a kind. “Sasquatch” blends murder, drug trafficking, and cryptozoology as investigative journalist David Holthouse attempts to solve a bizarre twenty-five-year-old triple homicide.
The Emerald Triangle is a region of Northern California that earned its name by being the largest cannabis-producing region in the United States. Some people believe that you are most likely to encounter the legendary Sasquatch here among the pot farms and the towering redwoods. The title may lead viewers to think that instead of chasing down bloodthirsty murderers, the show will be dominated by crackpot theories and people who hunt for things that go bump in the night. The idea that a sasquatch is the culprit is never dismissed and is the opening to nearly every conversation Holthouse has. However, from early on, Holthouse says these people are “grabbing at smoke” and that the truth is much more likely to be entirely human-related.
This three-part two-and-a-half hour-long series blends the mythical with brutal reality without losing its sense of humor along the way. The creative team also combines animation and live-action film styles. The footage shot for “Sasquatch” is standard documentary fare. However, instead of using actors to dramatize past moments, the team decided to go with a beautiful and stylized animation. Integrating the film styles, the use of humor and the tension as they close in on the possible murderer(s) all helps the series speed along and makes you want to come back for more.
When David reaches his conclusion on what happened, your level of satisfaction will vary. More than likely, the journey will be the real reward. Beyond the murder-mystery, the story is wrapped up in social issues from racism, immigration, the war on drugs to the dangers of unchecked capitalism. “Sasquatch” has a lot to offer its viewers and may leave you with more questions than answers that go well beyond whether you believe a murderer is a man or a myth.
Showrunner: Joshua Rofé
Director: Joshua Rofé
Executive Producer: Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Steven J. Berger, Joshua Rofé, David Holthouse, Zach Cregger
Producer: M. Elizabeth Hughes
Cinematographer: Ronan Killeen
#SasquatchOnHulu
