Watch Project Grizzly

Project Grizzly is a 1996 documentary film that tells the story of Troy Hurtubise, a relatively unknown naturalist and inventor, famous for designing a bear-proof suit. The film follows Hurtubise in his quest to prove his suit's effectiveness by getting up close and personal with grizzly bears in their natural habitat. The movie opens with footage of Hurtubise testing his first bear-proof suit, which fails miserably. Determined to create a better version, Hurtubise spends the next few years obsessively designing and testing the suit, ultimately coming up with the third-generation version that he believes will keep him safe from even the most ferocious grizzly bears.

With his suit complete, Hurtubise sets out to test it in the wild. The film documents his journey through the dense Canadian wilderness as he encounters numerous obstacles, including aggressive bears, difficult terrain, and harsh weather conditions. All the while, Hurtubise maintains a calm and collected demeanor, convinced that his suit will protect him from harm.

The movie also explores Hurtubise's personal life, delving into his difficult childhood and personal struggles, including a divorce and deep financial troubles. Despite these challenges, Hurtubise remains committed to his passion for creating the perfect bear-proof suit.

Throughout the film, Hurtubise is shown conducting bizarre experiments, such as testing the suit's effectiveness against a speeding truck, all in the name of perfecting his creation. Despite his somewhat eccentric behavior and unconventional methods, Hurtubise comes across as incredibly dedicated and sincere in his pursuit of protecting humans from bear attacks.

The movie's climax sees Hurtubise face off against a massive, fully grown grizzly bear, armed only with his bear-proof suit and a video camera to capture the action. The encounter is intense and nerve-wracking, with Hurtubise displaying unbelievable courage and determination in the face of such a dangerous beast.

Project Grizzly is a fascinating and captivating documentary that offers an inside look at the mind of an inventor and his unyielding obsession to create the ultimate protection against grizzly bears. The film is beautifully shot, with breathtaking views of the Canadian wilderness, and features several interviews with experts on bear behavior and attacks, providing additional context and perspective.

The film's main focus is undoubtedly Hurtubise, who is depicted as a complex and intriguing character. His passion, determination, and unwavering belief in his invention are both inspiring and slightly unsettling, leaving viewers wondering whether he is a genius, madman, or simply a bit of both.

Overall, Project Grizzly is a remarkable film that offers a unique perspective on a man's relentless pursuit of his dream. While the idea of a bear-proof suit may seem ridiculous to some, Hurtubise's unwavering belief in its potential to save lives is both admirable and thought-provoking. The movie serves as a testament to the power of human determination, as well as a stark reminder of the sometimes-harsh realities of the natural world.

Project Grizzly is a 1996 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.