Since it’s popularisation in The Blair Witch Project, it seems that every kind of found footage film that can be made has been made and is now an overused idea that keeps being drudged back. However, every so often a new found footage film comes out that restores my faith. First was [REC], then The Bay and now Bobcat Goldthwait’s new horror, Willow Creek.
Jim (Bryce Johnson), a Bigfoot believer, and his girlfriend Kelly (Goldthwait regular Alexie Gilmore), an unabashed naysayer, head on a trip to Willow Creek, the home of the Bigfoot legend. There, Jim hopes to make a documentary, visiting the important sites to the myth, but as they get closer and the locals get colder, how much is myth and what is the reality?
Johnson and Gilmore are fantastic, remaining authentic and watchable in every situation. While it’s hard to tell if there is a supporting cast, which is a good thing, anyone who is (who may or may no be supporting cast?) is just as good.
As with previous Goldthwait films like World’s Greatest Dad and God Bless America, there is a certain playful contemplation about modern American madness present in parts of and the concept of Willow Creek. This isn’t Harry and the Henderson’s, going out of it’s way to make fun of the commercialised, almost infantilised idea of Bigfoot in the American consciousness. This playfulness shouldn’t be understated and there is a fantastic sense of humour here that feels organic and real.
Neither does it attempt the Paranormal Activity route of hammering this tension from the get go. We’re relaxed into a false sense of security before things get going so that once we are going, it hits even harder. There’s also a strange mixing of documentary and fiction that works well. Some of the interviews definitely feel real and add to this lulling of the audience. The layman certainly leaves knowing far more about the mythology and history of Bigfoot than before.
In both performance and it’s situations, there is an effort made so that any sense of contrivance usual in found footage films is avoided. Despite my personal feelings on found footage, this is a film that utilises that particular style not just for cheap effects but as a immensely satisfying and integral part of the story. It allows for one particularly incredible long take in a tent to occur without feeling ridiculous and making immediate sense to be in there. It goes from nail-biting to slightly trying to down right torturous. It is something quite incredible and might not have been as convincing or interesting if it had been filmed in a typical style.
It feels like a feature length section of V/H/S in the best way. In a similar way to V/H/S, this isn’t a film that is fiddling around with a deeper meaning, and as such manages to focus on scares and tension. Goldthwait is taking from the Val Lewton play book, using tension and anticipation over jump scares and gore, playing with what could be in the dense forest instead of what is. The best part is, it works. It may not have everyone’s idea of a satisfying ending, but it is the right ending.
Delivering genuine tension with authenticity and one of my favourite scenes for a good long while, this is one that no horror fan should miss. An excellent addition to both Goldthwait’s filmography and the found footage sub-genre.
Willow Creek is out in select UK cinemas 2nd May
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