“American Sasquatch” Engrosses

American Sasquatch: Man, Myth, or Monster (Gabe Torres, 2025) 3 out of 5 stars

Bigfoot. Sasquatch. Skunk Ape. There are many names throughout America that describe this mythical creature: a tall, hairy being that walks on two legs and is found throughout dense forests in the U.S. Whatever your local area calls it, this urban legend has been heavily featured in narrative films, documentaries, and folklore alike.

In the new documentary from director Gabe Torres, American Sasquatch: Man, Myth, or Monster, the infamous Sasquatch is explored in detail. Scientific evidence and firsthand accounts combine to illustrate the latest discoveries about this legendary creature. Is it a physical animal, mystical phenomenon, or simply a hoax?

While the beginning of the doc is a bit of a baptism-by-fire and an odd, rapid-fire montage, once this film settles in, the director conveys some intriguing information. Torres presents some quality footage of firsthand accounts, many of them clear and stabilized. Not only is there video, but also audio. The movie features recordings of noises and sounds believed to be Bigfoot, along with enthralling scientific data.

American Sasquatch does a great job covering several different viewpoints on the topic. Interviews with reputable sources such as park rangers, Native Americans, and even congressmen reveal that some believe a Sasquatch is a flesh-and-blood creature, others think it is a paranormal entity with outlandish powers, and even others don’t believe it exists at all.

The filmmakers spend the duration of the movie with folks who believe in the existence of the creature, but also spends some time on some popular hoaxes and commonly viewed footage that has been debunked. This helps to gain the viewer’s trust, as we know the filmmakers are more interested in concrete evidence than buzzworthy false accounts that have gained fame. The film definitely makes the audience think a bit outside the box about the common folklore.

The doc does have a few areas where it could improve. Firstly, there is not much style within. It’s the most basic documentary format you can imagine—nothing special or unique—but it still works. The film also lacks a definitive structure, as it jumps from idea to idea almost randomly, at times. There are also a few technical gaffes, such as audio issues with some subjects where their testimony is much quieter than others or involving some unfortunate echoing.

Near the end of the film, there is a bit of a jarring left turn into some thoughts and theories not typically attributed to the Sasquatch. While these are certainly fascinating, it veers a tad too off course and the believability factor suffers as a result. For better or for worse, the film serves up any and all viewpoints towards the central topic.

Overall, American Sasquatch: Man, Myth, or Monster intrigues by presenting the latest and newest studies on the infamous deep-woods urban legend. A wide array of different opinions strengthens the film’s appeal, though some far-out theories threaten to derail the film by the end. Still, the documentary accomplishes its purpose by revealing some often-overlooked aspects of the Sasquatch folklore and featuring first-hand accounts from trusted authorities. In the end, American Sasquatch: Man, Myth, or Monster offers several supporting cases for each school of thought and encourages us to decide where we stand.