Calvin Barr (Sam Elliott) is an older man with many secrets from his past. What I can tell you (thanks to flashbacks) is that Calvin is an American war hero, and oh, by the way… he’s the man who killed Hitler. In the present day, Calvin is old, tired and doesn’t seem to have any real interests, hobbies or motivation in his life. He spends time at the local bar drinking and sitting around his old lounge room eating microwave dinners in front of his TV along with his dog beside him.

As Calvin goes about his day to day life, he has moments when he is reminded of his past, and as the audience we are given flashbacks, in particular when it comes to Calvin’s love life and the war he fought when he was younger. Our film feels like two films in one- Calvin at a younger age and Calvin in the present day as an older man.

With flashbacks appearing at random moments, there are many times that it feels like a flashback will interrupt a powerful scene and performance which is given by the actor Sam Elliott. Plus, as the title says, Calvin (as an older man) is allowed to use his skills, experience and knowledge to hunt down the one and only Bigfoot. It’s funny to think that the title of this film is the film’s plot synopsis. 

For the positives, I truly enjoyed Sam Elliot’s performance as Calvin here. Even simple things, such as not saying any words in the opening scene, show how he has truly nailed this performance with strength and boldness. While wanting to know more about Calvin’s past should be a good thing, I couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed whenever the film goes back in time. It’s as if someone just changed the channel while I was enjoying a particular program. For me, not all the flashbacks were completely interesting or exciting, nor did I feel they served a substantial purpose for being in the film. I’m perhaps only talking about a couple of scenes, but still.

From a visual point of view, I loved it, and the film brought such a fresh style to the cinema. The film’s visual effects, style and even the dirty grindhouse feels are all worthy of praise. As a bonus, I enjoyed the film’s soundtrack too. After the movie, I looked it up on Tidal and have been enjoying it over and over. After the film, I found myself revisiting the film all over again, watching the film’s making-of features and gaining insight as to the final results. These features impressed me, reminding me how impressive the film is considering it has been completed by a 1st-time director, Robert D Krzykowski.

Before I reveal my final verdict, I will say this. I got a lot from this and admired it. The film can be interrupted in many different way. One example is how Calvin keeps dealing with an annoying stone in his shoe. This can mean something or nothing. This will come down to the viewer and their interpretation of each scene. As a result, I feel many viewers will get something from this film and others won’t feel anything from it…

Overall, there is no doubt for me this film has some entertainment value.  Considering this has been completed by a first time director, there is lots to praise. Actor Sam Elliot brings such a strong character to the screen and steals the film. The film’s story and the journey won’t be for everyone, and many viewers will interpret something different than the next person, making the film’s final result a mixed bag. For me, I see such a talented and creative film which left me wanting to see and rewatch it all over again.  

7.3/10

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Review Written by Peter Walkden