Devil’s Pass-UK/Russia-2013

(R-for some violent/disturbing images and for a sexual reference)(No Subtitles)

Genre- Horror, Found Footage

So my latest obsession is Devil's Pass.  It is one of the latest in the "found footage" genre that seems to have permeated the world of horror films.

Devil’s Pass was originally called The Dyatlov Pass Incident and was directed by Renny Harlin, who is known for directing many movies including Die Hard 2 and Exorcist: The Beginning.  It is the story of five American college students who recreate a failed 1950’s expedition in the Ural mountains in Northern Russia where nine hikers mysteriously died.  With cameras in hand the college students embark on their adventure, interviewing various people involved with the original group, along the way.  Once the students get to the mountains and begin their arduous trek, things begin to go wrong.  They discover that they are not alone and soon fear that their fate may be the same as the group who died fifty years earlier.

I liked this movie much more than I thought I would.  It combines the found footage aspect, which when done well is very provoking, with events ripped out of Unsolved Mysteries.  There actually was a Dyatlov Pass incident where nine hikers died mysteriously.  Their bodies were found near their campsite, each with various injuries that were inconsistent with how they were found to have died.  Several of the hikers were found not wearing sock, shoes or any outerwear.  Some said it  was as if they fled their tents in haste. In addition, a couple of the hikers were found with internal injuries consistent with a major fall, yet had to external trauma.

Over the years there have been numerous theories on what actually happened, including Bigfoot, angry natives, aliens and a military cover-up.  What I liked the most about this film is that it is essentially Renny Harlin’s theory on what happened to the nine hikers.  I can’t say that I 100% agree with him, but found his theory to be interesting, thought provoking and asks the viewer to expand their perspective on the paranormal just how much governments are willing to cover up.