The myth revolving around the primate-like creature Bigfoot, also referred to as Sasquatch, has been the subject of speculation by many obsessed fans of the legendary creature. Coincidentally, Bigfoot has a vast history with Mendocino County, as shown in the new Hulu exclusive documentary Sasquatch, a three-part mini series taking the viewer through investigative journalist David Holthouse’s effort to solve a triple homicide from 1993. The catch? The alleged killer is suspected to be the Sasquatch himself! Relying on the marginal amount of information he has, Holthouse conducts his investigation, shifting his way through some of the community’s most notorious members, determined to get to the bottom of the 25+ year mystery.
In the fall of 1993, David Holthouse had a job on a marijuana farm, deep into the redwoods of Mendocino County, and one night when he was inside the cabin, two men burst through the door with intense fear. These men had come from a marijuana farm that had been torn apart, and there they found three bodies that had been completely mutilated. None of the marijuana had been stolen, just ripped apart along with the corpses. Due to these unusual aspects, these men believed that the crime belonged to no other than Bigfoot, a fable that Holthouse would carry with him ever since.
Holthouse runs his investigation all throughout Mendocino county, mostly in Laytonville, particularly surrounding Spy Rock Road, a notorious area for dope growers and near the location of the triple murder. Holthouse and his crew trace the history of the back-to-the-landers who migrated up north in the 70’s, and the war on drugs that predominantly affected these families and these communities as a whole. They continue their search amongst the biggest names in the marijuana scene in the local area, desperately gathering info on the homicide. The investigation even reaches Ukiah, featuring an interview with local citizen Diana, who shares information on her late uncle, a beloved family member who was involved in the marijuana scene at the time of the murders. There are shots displaying Perkins Street, amongst other Ukiah locations that briefly make a camera appearance.
The involvement of Sasquatch believers is arguably the most interesting aspect of the documentary, as each interviewee gives their interpretation of what Bigfoot really is, and what the legendary creature means to them. Holthouse manages to string along the viewer to really make them invested in the idea that Bigfoot was really responsible for the murders, and hearing the perspective of these hardcore believers makes the tale all that more interesting and mysterious. Overall, Holthouse runs a tight-knit, thorough investigation on one of the most bizarre events he has ever experienced. The journalist ties reality and myth together, emphasizing the ability for humans to believe simply what they want to believe.
