Finding fabled forest fauna for fans formulates fabrications of factual information often facilitating facetiousness fabulously.

Bigfoot Famous is a Horror/Comedy about a YouTuber whose channel is struggling so she looks for a new gimmick to get more views, likes, and subscribers. After a recently posted Bigfoot sighting video received over 15 million likes, she decides the answer is to find the Cryptozoic creature. She and her boyfriend assemble a team before they venture into the Redwood forest. Eventually, they get separated and lost.

Steph Barkley plays Coley. She has great comedic timing, being able to switch to a vast range of emotions. She provides sassy sarcasm while she gets in over her head with the circumstances. This opens the door for a vulnerable, insecure side her followers never see. She questions why she is so concerned about her image, both on and offline. She has to come to terms with her motives for finding Bigfoot.

Sam Milman plays Jericho, the mild-mannered, soft-spoken, effeminate boyfriend. His story arc takes the plot in unexpected directions. He easily steals the show being more memorable than the others. He has such an important impact on the others not much more can be said without spoilers.

Anthony Ma plays Triple T, the hunter/tracker hired as a forest guide. His over-the-top performance is hilariously eccentric, getting everyone directly involved both in and out of horrific circumstances. The others question whether or not he’s more of an asset or a deterrent for their collective goals.

Chris Kleckner plays Marty, hired as a Bigfoot expert. His tragic backstory clarifies why he has his motivations. He has a coming-of-age tale that’s fulfilling to see as he slowly comes out of his shell. The wilderness changes everyone but unlike the others, his development is more personal.

Lauren Howard Hayes plays Freddie Huff, a PI and fellow YouTuber investigating the legitimacy of the Bigfoot search. She’s quirky and clever when it comes to her inspection. She’s both a master manipulator and a master of disguise. Part of the fun is you never know when she is going to pop up or how she’ll represent herself.

A majority of Bigfoot Famous is the world’s online speculation about the plot as things happen. Both sides of the coin are represented as they discuss why the current events are either true or false while the audience sees exactly what transpires in the woods. The social media circus has never been depicted so well on screen.

Written by Steph Barkley and Chris Kleckner, the offbeat humour offers plenty of genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Dealing with mature themes like mortality, cancel culture, ethical/moral dilemmas, and having actual connections with real people are prevalent. It’s difficult to balance social commentary with humour but its done seamlessly. The story is paced briskly but doesn’t feel rushed. It lacks horror elements but it’s still fast, fun, and reflective of topical issues nowadays.

Directed by Sam Milman and Peter Vass, it’s shot utilizing a variety of aerial views, camera movements, and other unique visuals that add to the experience. The Humboldt Redwood Park in California is beautifully filmed. More than a setting, they use the environment to full effect while the people attempt to navigate through it.

Overall, Bigfoot Famous focuses on the people looking for Bigfoot rather than the actual search. The characters are all fleshed out really well. They have aspirations, fears, and flaws. Their relationships develop naturally throughout the misadventure. The want of acceptance makes them relatable and sympathetic. It tends to favour humour over horror but makes up for it with its storytelling surprises. Make sure to stick around for the hilarious after credits scene. And remember, fame might be one vlog away–but at what cost?

9 out of 10