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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

Feet of Death (2024)

My quick rating - 4.2/10. This flick kicks off in true retro style, setting an 80s vibe with its synth score that plays in the background. This atmospheric beginning really sells the premise that we’re about to dive into something unique. Despite its modest $15,000 budget, this film manages to deliver a visual quality that exceeds expectations. Rather than leaning on shaky handheld camerawork, director James Chick uses steady, scenic shots to set the mood, capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with sweeping views of lush forests and looming mountains—Mount St. Helens even makes a cameo, a nice touch for a movie that builds on local folklore. The story follows Jason Esterly, a USFS ranger played by Andrew Jacob Brown, who has to snap out of his grief after his wife’s passing to face an unsettling possibility: could Bigfoot actually be real? He’s forced to consider this after a paranormal social media influencer, Chris Dixon (Eric Berger), winds up dead near Mount St. Helens under mysterious circumstances. It's a classic horror trope, yet the storyline refrains from adding any of the usual comedy or gimmicks you might expect in a Bigfoot flick, and instead opts for a straight-up murder mystery tone. While the cinematography feels refined, the acting is serviceable. The cast, though unknown, does a solid job within the film’s somewhat limited dialogue and predictable horror scenarios. Their choices, however, stretch believability. Time and again, the characters fall into the classic horror traps: splitting up to search the dense, dark forest in pairs, even with a supposed deadly creature lurking. It’s one of those head-scratching moments where you question if anyone on set has ever actually watched a horror movie. That said, the movie’s creature reveal is skillfully restrained. Instead of the typical bigfoot jump scares, Chick wisely uses tight editing and strategic camera angles, allowing just enough mystery to keep you intrigued without giving too much away. There’s a notable campfire scene that pays subtle homage to The Thing, creating a tense atmosphere that makes you appreciate the effort put into the film’s mood-setting. However, the title Feet of Death remains a bit of a puzzle. With a bare-footed character in the end scene, it feels like an attempt to tie things together, though it’s unclear whether it’s meant to hint at a potential sequel, playing off what we already know or just a nod to Bigfoot’s legendary footprint. And yes, there’s a post-credit scene, so if you're still hoping for more clarity or a final scare, stick around. Overall, this isn’t your typical Bigfoot horror. It’s more of a love letter to the eerie beauty of the outdoors with a hint of myth, rather than a full-on creature feature. It may not give you the scares or laughs, but for those who appreciate a scenic thriller with a tinge of mystery, it's worth a watch. Thanks go out to James Chick for providing me with this flick for our #Shocktober entertainment.

It seems you'll need to check Amazon for this one, if there are others, add in comments.

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