'Sasquatch Sunset' Stirs Controversy at Sundance

Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough Transform into Sasquatches in Absurdist Comedy Directed by Zellner Brothers

Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough star in the absurdist comedy 'Sasquatch Sunset', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, directed by David Zellner and Nathan Zellner, follows a family of Sasquatches over the course of a year, with no dialogue but plenty of grunts and bodily functions.
The actors underwent an extensive transformation process to play their respective characters, including hours in the makeup chair to apply hair, makeup, and fur. They also attended a 'Sasquatch School' on set and worked with a mime coach to learn the movements and nuances of living day to day as a Sasquatch.
The film has been described as 'one of the craziest things' the Zellner brothers have ever done, with some audience members at the premiere calling it the 'weirdest movie ever'. Despite the absurdist premise, the directors aimed to create a film where viewers are invested in the characters.
The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the surprising humanity in the portrayal of the Sasquatches and the film's deep appreciation for the natural world. Others found the humor one-note and the film's focus on bodily functions off-putting.
'Sasquatch Sunset' is scheduled to be released on April 12, 2024, by Bleecker Street.