My Bigfoot Life (2025) - Film Review

      My Bigfoot Life, 2025.

      Directed by Monika Gergelova and Daniel Lee Barnett.

      Featuring Daniel Lee Barnett, Jeffrey Meldrum, James Fay, Ronnie Leblanc, Ranae Holland, Craig Lee Barnett, and Ryan Golembeske.

      SYNOPSIS:

      This documentary chronicles the adventures of a talented autistic teenager as he journeys into the wilderness in search of both Bigfoot and a deeper understanding of the social dynamics of his friends and family.

      "My Bigfoot Life" is a delightful film that examines how individuals with fervent interests navigate the challenges of autism and highlights the essential support provided by friends and family that makes life more manageable.

      The narrative centers on Daniel Lee Barnett, a bright young boy living with autism, which influences all aspects of his life. As a child, he experienced selective mutism, which rendered him completely unable to communicate, causing him to shut down during social interactions.

      On camera, Daniel articulates various strategies that aid his condition, one of which involves immersing himself in nature. Growing up in the southwestern region of England, near the Somerset countryside, offered him advantages while he searched for clues related to myths and legends in the woods. After finding some unusual, large footprints during a walk with his grandmother, Daniel reached out to DNA analysis companies. One responded and offered to analyze the environmental samples near the footprint free of charge, revealing traces of dog, squirrel, and… drum roll please… ancient ape.

      Daniel quickly became an expert on the mythical creature known as Bigfoot. The dedicated and ambitious young man amassed thousands of followers on his YouTube channel and podcast. Co-director of the documentary, Daniel is undoubtedly an extraordinary individual who has effectively battled the challenges posed by his diagnosis. The film showcases him giving a speech to 3,000 fellow Bigfoot enthusiasts, a feat many might have thought impossible given his health history.

      A significant moment in the documentary occurs when a group of Bigfoot investigators from the Pacific Northwest—often referred to as Bigfoot Country—invites Daniel to conduct research in the woods. This dream opportunity nearly slips away due to Daniel's serious anxiety about flying. Central to his enduring zest for life is his family, particularly his father Craig, who wholeheartedly supports his son’s enthusiasm for Bigfoot research. The friends and colleagues Daniel has connected with through his endeavors are also vital to his journey.

      An uplifting film illustrating how one individual’s life is enriched by collaborating with friends on a common interest, it explores the enigma while ensuring the fascination endures in the shadows of the forest. While this is clearly a passion project, those looking for a more impartial viewpoint on the existence of Sasquatch may need to search elsewhere. Nonetheless, it is a well-crafted documentary that embodies curiosity and humanity at its core.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert W Monk