‘The Bigfoot Trap’ Review
Stars: Tyler Weisenauer, Zach Lazar Hoffman, Andy Kanies | Written and Directed by Aaron Mirtes
Writer/Director Aaron Mirtes opens his film on Josh MacMahon (Tyler Weisenauer), a journalist whose own show specialises in mocking the off-beat people he interviews. After his video insulting a flat-Earther goes viral, Josh is given his next assignment: document Red Wilson (Zach Lazar Hoffman) as he attempts to catch a sasquatch in the Bigfoot trap he built.
In the vein of his successful video, Josh is asked to humiliate Red for his beliefs. This leaves the journalist feeling guilty about his work, as he desires to release important pieces yet is discouraged by the idea that they would not get clicks. Believing this is a necessary step in his career progression, Josh’s justifications feel like something others have told themselves to lessen their guilt while trying to reach their dream job.
Meeting with Red and his long-time friend, Kyle (Andy Kanies), Josh is shown the people behind their seemingly outlandish beliefs and grows to understand what got them interested in “Squatching”. This is a tactic by Red, who is aware of Josh’s work and sets out to change his mocking approach, encouraging him to approach the video as a journalist instead of a bullying comedian.
A relationship arises between the men’s differing ideologies, as blind faith comes against the need for physical proof. As Josh questions his preconceived notions about the Sasquatch, he is blissfully unaware of how the Southern Sasquatch Research Foundation Group are playing him. That changes when a trick backfires on the friends, as Josh accidentally shoots Kyle, leading Red to imprison the journalist within the titular Bigfoot Trap.
Worrying about his next steps, Red’s priority becomes finding an ideal scenario which does not negatively impact his group, while Josh just wants to survive the situation. This raises an interesting point about the lengths both men take for media attention, as their actions hurt people regardless of their justifications. It is a more interesting route taken than one could’ve guessed, and the performances effectively capture the humanity as matters grow inhumane.
Despite the interesting routes the story takes, some logical leaps are required to ensure the story lasts the 85-minute runtime. As an armed officer arrives on the scene, his willingness to take his eyes off the key suspect while leaving him so close to a gun feels too nonsensical. It is not helped by how slowly the characters react to new opportunities, despite having such high personal stakes. While the low budget can effectively convey the minimal settings, it also works against the film as shown when a shot hand is seen numerous times without a visible wound.
As the film tries showcasing the importance of discussion amidst differing viewpoints, it feels too simple a conclusion when the ending focuses on the flat-Earther. Considering many of the mocked people include an overly obsessive dog owner and a man who likes Anime body pillows, it’s puzzling the final message focuses on a fringe conspiracy theorist whose beliefs are easily disproved. Despite that odd choice, Mirtes has crafted an interesting film in The Bigfoot Trap.
*** 3/5
The Bigfoot Trap had its World Premiere on March 5th 2023 as part of this year’s MidWest WeirdFest. The film is currently set for a UK release from High Fliers on July 10th 2023.
