SXSW 2024: Christophe Zajac-Denek Talks ‘Sasquatch Sunset,’ Bringing a Child-Like Nature to His Character, His Collaboration with the Star-Studded Team, and More

Sasquatch Sunset has been enchanting audiences as it journeys through the festival circuit, enthralling viewers with its distinctive fusion of sincerity and humor. Boasting a star-studded ensemble featuring talents like Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, and Christophe Zajac-Denek, this film is an absolute must-see, promising an experience beyond imagination.

Now heading to Austin, Texas for SXSW, the film delves into the misty forests of North America, where a family of Sasquatches—possibly the last of their enigmatic kind— embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year. These shaggy and noble giants fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with star Christophe to discuss Sasquatch Sunset, the child-like nature he brought to his character, the process of transforming into a Sasquatch, and more.

PC: Sasquatch Sunset made its world premiere at Sundance 2024, and it was incredibly well-received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences? What was that experience like getting to watch it with a live audience?
Christophe: I love how well-received this film has been. It’s continuing to be an interesting and fun thing to witness. Maybe it’s the authenticity of the characters that’s resonating with audiences.

From the beginning, David [Zellner] and Nathan [Zellner] wanted these characters to be as real as possible. We all understood the tone to be as true of a depiction of this family as possible. They never wanted things to be played up for the camera. The comedy is built into the absurdity of these Sasquatches dealing with their situation while living in their sub-primal brains.

I also think people enjoy seeing practical special effects play in tandem with actors portraying authentic characters. I can’t recall a film in the last twenty years that has done what Sasquatch Sunset does. I loved watching shows from the past which utilized great makeup and performances by talented actors before CGI became a mainstay of production. These days, I feel like CGI has filled a space that human imagination used to occupy. I think Sasquatch Sunset is a refreshing thing to see. Being in the theater with the audience has been such a surreal experience. It was really fun to see the film on a massive screen. I also loved hearing when people laughed and when they had other reactions throughout the film. It was a treat.

PC: This is one of those projects that you have to see to believe. What was your initial reaction when you read the script? What were those early conversations that you had with David and Nathan about Sasquatch Sunset and this role?
Christophe: I agree that you have to see this film to believe it. I’ll add that the more times you see it, the more you will believe in it. It’s gotten better each time I’ve seen it. My initial reaction was to hope and pray that I’d book it! I was hooked five pages into reading the script.

The lookbook that they sent with the makeup and costume tests had me interested right away. I feel like I understood the tone that David and Nathan were going for. Our first conversation was over zoom and we instantly jelled. They told me about how they wanted the child-like Sasquatch to be curious, rambunctious, and a bit needy. The three traits in my life that I’m still holding onto from my youth. Our 45-minute initial conversation felt like five minutes, which I think was a good thing. It felt like we got along and were on the same page with this character and the whole project.

PC: There’s such a commitment that you and the rest of the cast bring to these characters. What did you learn about your craft playing a Sasquatch?
Christophe: I wanted to lean into the child-like nature of this being as much as possible. That meant not showing up to set as a 43-year-old man, but as a Sasquatch that is going to be screwing up and exploring as an immature half-ape/half-human. I mean, what a fun job opportunity!

Something I learned is that things can get pretty messy when you’re playing a child Sasquatch. There are scenes in the film where my character is in the mud, dirt, leaves, snow, and water. Playing it as though he knew these environments because that’s where the Sasquatches lived, and finding ways to explore the surroundings was a fun line to walk. Also, this was the first starring role I’ve had in a full-length feature. So, I feel like I learned how to have different relationships with each character and then have them evolve throughout the film.

PC: Every actor is completely unrecognizable, and it’s transformative. What was that process like becoming a Sasquatch, and how did that physical transformation further allow you to tap into this character?
Christophe: The makeup and costumes were intense. It took two hours to apply makeup each morning. The face makeup consisted of a cowl that went from your chin to the back of your head. They then applied the prosthetic face pieces, hair, and paint. There was lots and lots of glue used. We also wore a musculature suit, a fur/hair suit, feet, hands, and teeth. I love that we’re unrecognizable. That is such a testament to the AA FX team: Steve, Whitney, Kayla, and Yvonne. They all did an incredible job transforming us. You hit the nail on the head; it was such a transformative process.

I think it’s pretty difficult to rehearse for a week, put on all of the Sasquatch gear, and then not feel like you want to tromp around the redwoods acting part-animal. The costume just pushed me over the edge and into the world of the Sasquatch. I think when you wear such an involved costume, it becomes this armor that helps you to be fearless and present. Also, being a little person, I’ve worked several roles in creature costumes and lots of foam. As soon as I saw the lookbook, I knew what I was getting into. My career thus far has prepared me for costume roles such as this.

PC: This is such an ensemble-led project. What was it like collaborating with Jesse and Riley and bringing these characters to life?
Christophe: I can’t say enough amazing things about Jesse and Riley. They both are such kind people and generous actors. Honestly, it felt like I was dropped into a five-week clinic with the best actors in the business. Jesse was always coming up with great creative ideas for his character. Riley was hilarious. She’s such a lovely and kind human, and then in the Sasquatch suit, she was playing this very feral female being. It was surreal. I learned so much from being around both of them, and I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed harder than when I was on this set.

PC: This film does a brilliant job finding the balance between silliness and being earnest. Was that something that you were all mindful of during this filming process? How were you able to toe that line so seamlessly?
Christophe: I think that’s the tone David and Nathan were going for. Before they even said anything, that’s what I picked up from the script and the lookbook. They wanted to authentically show what Sasquatches naturally do on their own. If you were to happen upon them in the wild and could watch them do their own thing, left to their own devices, what would you see? That was the North Star that we followed. I think the comedy comes from playing the characters as true as possible while performing the absurd actions that David and Nathan had written for the characters. All of us took the roles seriously, and our goal was to always be in the moment. I think it’s interesting because how these creatures live is so far off from us as humans. But, at the same time, you can catch glimpses of behavior which is oddly close to how we are as humans. An evolutionary moment, if you will. In a sense, they’re just like us!

PC: This is such an interesting role where these characters have a way of communicating that isn’t through spoken word. What emotion was the most challenging to convey through this limitation and why?
Christophe: I loved the challenge of communicating without spoken word! I felt like that just got me more into character. The Child is in his own world at times, and not speaking was freeing. Though there are times when he’s communicating through some sort of language. Your audience will just have to see the film to know what I’m talking about. The Child kind of has his own thing going on. I felt like I was able to explore more ideas of how to express myself, which was really fun. We came up with a working language of grunts, howls, hoots, and barks. We found that certain vocalizations fit in some situations better than others. The most difficult emotion for the Child might have been sorrow. I feel like he needs to have lived more and be more understanding to express sorrow, and he’s still just a kid.

To keep up with Christophe, follow him on Instagram.

Sasquatch Sunset Screening Times at SXSW:

• Paramount Theatre – Mar 11, 2024 (11:45am—1:14pm)
• Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema – Mar 12, 2024 (5:00pm—6:29pm)

Photo Credit: Amanda Ramon