Exists (2014)

Exists (2014): An Intense Survival Horror Thriller Exploring the Legend of Bigfoot

Overview and Plot Summary

Exists is a 2014 American horror film that delves into the terrifying legend of Bigfoot, weaving elements of survival, suspense, and myth into a nail-biting action-packed narrative. Directed by Eduardo Sánchez, who is renowned for co-directing the seminal found footage hit The Blair Witch Project, Exists aims to rekindle the primal fear of the unknown lurking in the wilderness. The film was penned by Sánchez himself along with Jamie Nash and J. Christopher Buehlman, creating a chilling script that blends folklore and raw horror.

The story opens with a group of college friends who embark on a weekend trip to a remote cabin in the dense forests of East Texas. The group consists of a close-knit set of characters, intending to unwind and reconnect away from their hectic lives. Their plan quickly goes awry when they discover evidence that something monstrous is stalking them in the woods — the legendary Bigfoot.

As estrangement and fear set in, the group must navigate both their interpersonal tensions and their desperate fight for survival. They use their wits and whatever means they have to evade the creature whose ferocity and cunning prove to be far beyond what they imagine. The film is a gripping exploration of human fear, the primal urge to survive, and the mystery surrounding mythical creatures.

Main Actors and Characters

• Samuel Davis as Matt – the central protagonist, whose leadership is put to the test when the nightmare begins.
• Brian Steele as The Sasquatch – Steele delivers a formidable and chilling performance as the imposing creature, bringing an imposing physicality to the role.
• Kelly Lynn Reiter as Kim – one of the friends who tries to maintain hope amidst the terror.
• Chris Osborn as Eric – another member of the group, contributing to the dynamics and conflicts that unfold.
• Elizabeth Teeter as Liz – whose survival instincts reveal themselves as the story progresses.
• Bryan James Kitto as Ryan – part of the group’s ensemble facing the deadly threat.

Director and Writers

Eduardo Sánchez, who gained fame for co-directing The Blair Witch Project (1999), brings his vast experience and a knack for atmospheric tension to Exists. His direction emphasizes suspense and realistic fear, leveraging the dense forest as a claustrophobic playground for terror. The film’s screenplay was crafted by Sánchez in collaboration with Jamie Nash and J. Christopher Buehlman, whose writing combines horror traditions with commentary on human psychology under duress.

Genre and Style

Exists fits squarely in the action-horror genre, mixing the thrills of survival cinema with supernatural horror rooted in American cryptozoology. The film’s claustrophobic forest setting and relentless pacing create a tense atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The action sequences are gripping, and the horror elements are amplified by practical effects and suspenseful storytelling rather than overreliance on CGI.

Reception and Legacy

While Exists has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its atmospheric tension and creature design, and others critiquing its script and character development, it has garnered a cult following among horror enthusiasts. Fans of monster movies and cryptid legends appreciate its earnest approach and respect for the source folklore. Eduardo Sánchez’s involvement raised expectations, especially for those who admired The Blair Witch Project, and Exists contributes to the sub-genre of Bigfoot horror tales.

Additional Notes

Despite being a Hollywood horror film, Exists does not feature musical numbers or songs like Bollywood films typically do. Instead, the soundtrack focuses on moody and suspenseful scoring, which heightens tension and complements the forest’s eerie ambiance.

Conclusion

Exists is a chilling exploration of one of America’s most enduring myths through the lens of survival horror. Eduardo Sánchez’s deliberate direction and the film’s intense creature encounters deliver a frightful experience for fans of horror and cryptid stories alike. Though it may not appeal to viewers who prefer intricate character studies, its steady pacing and adrenaline-fueled suspense make it a memorable entry in the horror genre of 2014.

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