Hunting Matthew Nichols

When the original Blair Witch Project released, it inspired teenaged Matthew Nichols and his friend Jordan Reimer to make their own DIY horror movies. Judging by the small army of found footage films reviewed here, they were clearly not the only ones. Unfortunately, instead of earning a quick pay day, they fell into a ravine and died. At least that is what the provincial Vancouver Island police say, but they never discovered the bodies. Two decades later, his sister Tara and a documentary film crew set out to uncover their true fate. In the process, they produce another found footage horror movie: Markian Tarasiuk’s independently produced and released Hunting Matthew Nichols, which releases today in theaters.

Way up in northern Vancouver, there isn’t much for teens to do except watch horror movies and go hiking. Consequently, everyone hoped Nichols and Reimer would be found, considering how well they knew the woods (the Canadians call it “bush,” but same difference). Yet, the police only recovered Nichols’ video camera.

Tara Nichols wants answers and director Markian Tarasiuk and cameraman Ryan Alexander McDonald—playing themselves—want to help her at least reach some closure. Regardless, they get some pretty good footage when they discover the missing teens were preoccupied with the local not-so-urban legend of Roy McKenzie, a reputed cult leader, who may or may not have eaten the residents of his commune. McKenzie can definitely hang with the Blair Witch. Nichols and Reimer thought so too, judging from the totem the police turn over to his sister.

There is no getting around the fact Tarasiuk’s film looks and plays very much like Chris Stuckmann’s Shelby Oaks, but the Roy McKenzie lore helps somewhat set it apart. It also has some of the best performances you will find in the found footage sub-genre. Miranda MacDougall shows potential star-power as Tara Nichols.

Yet, some of the supporting performances are even more memorable. Notably, that includes Christine Willes as Pam Hamilton, the cop who led the 2001 investigation; Joe Costa as Dr. Ian Laserge, an anthropologist who discusses the McKenzie folklore (with eccentric flair); and Trevor Carroll, as Reimer’s still grieving father, Miitchell.

Movie and TV geeks will be interested to know Tarasiuk shot pivotal scenes in the cabin location that previously appeared in Yellowjackets and the episode of Supernatural he guest-starred in. Clearly, the familiar territory agrees with him, even though it looks super-creepy on-camera. Blair Witch casts a long shadow over the proceedings, but the heavy atmosphere and sinister vibe are still impressive. A solid alternative for genre fans, but not likely to crossover beyond its base, Hunting Matthew Nichols opens today (4/10) in theaters, including the AMC Empire in New York.