Watch Minerva Monster: Bigfoot of Ohio

In 1978, in the rural town of Minerva, Ohio, a family reported seeing a large, bipedal creature in the woods near their home. They described it as being covered in hair, standing around eight feet tall, and having red eyes that glowed in the dark. The creature reportedly made loud, guttural noises and threw large rocks at the family's car.

The incident was initially dismissed by skeptics and authorities, but over the years, various researchers and eyewitnesses have come forward to investigate and share their own encounters with the creature, which has since been dubbed the "Minerva Monster."

The 2015 documentary film Minerva Monster: Bigfoot of Ohio chronicles the ongoing investigation of the creature and the many people who have been impacted by sightings and encounters.

The film features interviews with eyewitnesses, researchers, and Bigfoot enthusiasts, as well as archival footage and recreations of the reported encounters. Through these various perspectives, the film explores the enduring appeal of Bigfoot lore and the ways in which the legend has become intertwined with local legends and folklore.

One of the film's primary interview subjects is Roger Bartley, who was just a boy when his family had their encounter with the Minerva Monster. Bartley describes the terror and confusion he felt at the time, and how the incident has haunted him ever since. He has since become one of the foremost proponents of the creature's existence, and he shares his insights and theories about what the creature might be and where it might come from.

The film also features insights from researchers such as Howe Cayton, who has been studying Bigfoot sightings for decades and has developed a thorough methodology for investigating claims. Cayton offers a scientific perspective on the evidence and eyewitness accounts, and he discusses the challenges and obstacles researchers face in trying to fully understand and document the creature.

Other interview subjects include Scott Finnegan, who has also had multiple encounters with the creature; Lyle Blackburn, a cryptozoologist who has studied various legendary creatures; and a number of local residents and Bigfoot enthusiasts who share their own beliefs and experiences.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to stunning footage of the Ohio countryside, giving a sense of the beauty and isolation of the area where the creature allegedly roams. The film also includes eerie and atmospheric music, heightening the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the legend.

Overall, Minerva Monster: Bigfoot of Ohio offers a fascinating look into the enduring legend of Bigfoot, and the ways in which local communities have been shaped by eyewitness testimonies and ongoing investigation. Though skeptics may remain unconvinced, the film's various perspectives and detailed examinations of the evidence and eyewitness accounts make it a compelling exploration of this enduring and elusive legend.

Minerva Monster: Bigfoot of Ohio is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.