Exists

Exist from 2014 is a thrilling horror movie that manages to combine elements of suspense, fear, and thrill into an intense adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This American found footage monster horror film is directed by horror-genre veteran Eduardo Sanchez, who is also known for co-directing and writing the cult-favorite supernatural horror, "The Blair Witch Project". The movie stars Samuel Davis, Dora Madison, Roger Edwards, and several other high-caliber actors turning in strong performances.

The story starts as a group of five friends decide to set off on a trip into the deep woods in East Texas for a fun-filled weekend. The location they choose is the remote hunting cabin owned by an uncle of two of the participants, Matt and Brian. The team also includes Matt's girlfriend, Dora, Brian’s girlfriend, Elizabeth, and their friend Todd. As the typical horror movie setup ensues, they choose to venture forth unaware of the chilling adventure that lies ahead of them. Their primary aim is to enjoy the weekend away from the noise and commotion of the city and to engage in some exciting activities such as biking and filming (hence, justifying the found footage style of the movie).

As they journey deeper into the dense forest, unusual occurrences begin to unfold. What starts off as strange noises and glimpses of something lurking in the shadows, soon escalates into a visceral, terrifying experience. They soon discover they are not alone in the woods. There is a mythical creature that resides in the area. Unbeknownst to them, this creature is a legendary beast that is notorious in local folklore – an imposing, angry Sasquatch.

The storyline spirals into terrifying encounters that keep intensifying. Brian, the main character of the movie and an amateur videographer, attempts to document this legendary creature on camera. Each person in the group has to grapple with their rising fear as the situation escalates horribly. You, as the viewer, are taken on this thrilling journey and experience their growing dread first hand. The sense of a looming threat that exists just out of view serves to intensify the suspense and keeps you hooked.

Davis, Madison, and Edwards - along with the rest of the cast - put on robust performances, allowing viewers to create an emotional attachment with the characters. Their different personalities and how each handles the life-threatening situation add another layer of complexity to the film. From budding romances to rivalries, the film offers a brief glimpse into each relationship dynamic that further grounds the story.

Shot entirely in a found footage format, Exists plays with perspectives and angles to maximize the impact of every frightful moment. It offers voyeuristic thrills and builds fear through clever use of the environment and the unseen. Eduardo Sanchez utilizes the lush and menacing Texan wilderness to great effect, making it a major character that's central to the movie.

Exist beautifully blends the idea of human fear of the unknown with the ambiguity of folklore. The movie doesn't just rely on the jump-scare tactic but instead, it lets the fear build subtly and steadily, thereby making the story more realistic and relatable. The sense of isolation in the wilderness adds an even darker undertone to the thrilling plot, adding depth to the horror experience.

What sets Exist apart in the genre is its careful attention to developing its iconic creature. It strays away from the common "monster who kills without reason” trope and instead offers an interesting backstory that brings depth to the horrifying creature making the Sasquatch more than just a mindless terror.

Exist is more than your typical monster movie. It's a gripping tale that reaches deep into our primal fear of the unseen, of folklore, and of being prey. Through a striking combination of skilled performances, a carefully crafted plot, and a relentless pace, Exist delivers the horrifying journey of five friends, constantly surprising right till the end. For any horror movie fan who enjoys atmospheric terror and the use of legendary creatures in an intimidating setting, this film is undoubtedly a must-watch.