Tapes in the Shadows: Rewinding Reality

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hunting Matthew Nichols
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Markian Tarasiuk
Writer(s): Sean Harris Oliver, Markian Tarasiuk
Cast: Matthew Nichols, Tara Nichols, Markian Tarasiuk, Ryan McDonald, Brenda Nichols, Pam Hamilton
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival, followed by Nightmares Film Festival and Filmquest Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Blending reality with the “reel,” HUNTING MATTHEW NICHOLS emerges as a mockumentary in a genre that treads the thin line between fact and fiction. Directed by Markian Tarasiuk, who also stars in the film, this intriguing feature delves into the mystery of two teenagers, Matthew Nichols and Jordan Reimer, who vanished into the haunting expanses of British Columbia's forests. More than just a tale of disappearance, this film plunges the audience into a cleverly crafted narrative that borrows from the chilling vibes of mockumentary classics.

In this eerily persuasive film, Tarasiuk portrays himself teaming up with Tara Nichols, a documentary filmmaker and the sister of her missing brother, Matthew. Together, they revisit the cold case that has puzzled the small town of Port Rupert for over two decades. A series of old VHS tapes fuel their journey, found footage that becomes a vital lead in their investigation, echoing the cult classic THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT that the boys were obsessed with. These tapes, artifacts of a bygone era, are not just relics but pivotal pieces that guide us deeper into the forest's shadowy embrace, merging the lines between scripted horror and terrifying reality.

Set against the backdrop of Vancouver Island, where the omnipresent fog and towering trees contribute to a growing sense of claustrophobia, HUNTING MATTHEW NICHOLS uses its locale as both a scenic and narrative element. As Tara and Tarasiuk delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter cryptic symbols and barely audible whispers caught on tape—details that may hold the key to understanding the boys' fate.

The narrative incorporates elements from local legends, specifically the tale of Roy Mackenzie, a man rumored to have led a commune in the forest before descending into madness. This aspect adds a layer of folklore to investigative journalism, enhancing the mockumentary's grip on reality. As the film unfolds, it remains grounded, thanks to talking head interviews with family members and the original lead investigator, weaving a tapestry of authenticity and suspense.

Tarasiuk's direction ensures that the film, while slow to build, maintains a tight grip on its audience. The film's final act, where the characters confront the truth of what the boys might have encountered in the forest, delivers the slow-burn tension that mockumentary fans adore. This film segment highlights the director's ability to pivot from nuanced storytelling to full-throttle horror.

HUNTING MATTHEW NICHOLS celebrates its ability to challenge viewers to ponder the unseen and the unresolved. With performances that bolster the film's believability, this journey through the real and the unreal offers a fresh take on the mystery genre. It promises to haunt, challenge, and captivate viewers who dare to follow its trail, ensuring that the eerie narrative lingers long after the credits roll. As a psychological deep-dive into the abyss of the unknown, this mockumentary is not just a film to watch but to experience, as it leaves a chilling imprint on the psyche of its audience.

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[photo courtesy of DROPSHOCK PICTURES]

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