SMASHQUATCH (2025)

Streaming on Tubi from Newark Studios and Full On Ryker Productions!
Directed/Written by John Ragsdale.
Check out the trailer here!!

SMASHQUATCH follows three gals out for a weekend getaway in an area not only known for its Bigfoot sightings, but also is the stomping grounds for a serial killer who wears an ape mask and uses a barb-wire bat as a killing implement. Whodathunkit, but the three gals end up running into this smasher and maybe, just maybe even Bigfoot.

Saying SMASHQUATCH is a low budgeter is an understatement. It was the winner of a no-budget horror film contest, that was conceived in three days and filmed in five for under $1000.00 budget. And it looks the part, with non-actors, a meandering script, and low production values. Still, this one looks like it was made by a bunch of buddies that share a love for the horror genre. SMASHQUATCH seems like most of the actors were promised free booze and the three main gals seem to take full advantage of that as they are rarely seen without some form of alcohol in their hands. It’s a wonder anything was made at all under these circumstances.

But a movie was made. There is some humor that hits its mark, like when a random dude in the woods playing guitar is murdered by the smasher. And when you can hear the girls interacting, as the sound is not all that great, some of their banter is witty and fun, kind of like the way friends rip on one another while sitting at a bar.

Though Sasquatch is talked about a lot, it really doesn’t factor into the plot as this is more about people dressing up like Sasquatch to get away with a crime rather then actual cryptozoology. The gore is ok with the smasher running around with a Negan-style baseball bat and a monkey mask spattering CG blood onto the lens. But there is very little Squatchy stuff to the found, other than someone using the mythology as a cover for a murder spree.

I’m going to be nice and give SMASHQUATCH 1 Feets and 3 Toes as I love the indie spirit this film is filled with. Hell, give this group a budget and some time, and maybe they could make a half-decent film. As is, DIY flick fanatics and maybe the filmmakers’ buddies and family are going to be that target audience for this one.