Devil’s Pass Review (2013)

Synopsis

Devil’s Pass” (also known as “The Dyatlov Pass Incident”) follows a group of American college students investigating the real-life mysterious deaths of nine Russian hikers at Dyatlov Pass in 1959.

The students, seeking to make a documentary, encounter strange phenomena and escalating terror as they delve deeper into the mystery, uncovering secrets that the Russian government has tried to suppress.

My Thoughts

Devil’s Pass leans heavily on the real-life mystery of The Dyatlov Pass Incident, but you might be disappointed to hear that it takes a mostly fictional route for the most part.

The setting alone makes the movie worth watching though, because it nails that feeling of feeling trapped and vulnerable in a hostile place, even if it does move slowly at times.

I did like how the film teases the films mystery without spoon-feeding it to you, and you also really get that feeling of being watched, and the sense that something unseen is always around the corner. It’s a good feeling.

The cast is full of relative unknowns and it isn’t the best acting, and nor do you really connect with the characters.

But I think the film kind of relies on that, as you’re supposed to be focused on the mystery, not the personal stories. Still, a little a bit more depth would have helped at times.

But it’s all about the atmosphere and building an uneasy mood, even if that mood isn’t always consistent, as sometimes the film does slip into a few dull moments it has to be said.

The ending to the film is what a lot of people seem to debate, as I have read many who hate it, but I thought it was satisfying enough, if a bit obvious. It wraps things up without going full cliche, which is more than I can say for a lot of films in this genre.

The CGI also needs a mention, and not a positive one. It’s really bad. Obviously it doesn’t have the budget of a Hollywood film, but I can see why the CGI ruins it for a lot of people.

But despite that, some pacing issues and also some plot holes (I’m really selling it, aren’t I?), I do still really like Devil’s Pass, and if you’re into slow-burn mysteries with plenty of excellent atmosphere it’s definitely worth a watch.

It gives you enough to chew on and has some really good scenes. Don’t expect jump scare city, but as I said, it nails that fear of isolation and that feeling of being watched.

Devil’s Pass Trailer
Devil’s Pass on IMDB

Good Points

Claustrophobic Atmosphere – It just works, and works very well.

Sound Design – Strange noises and distant howls work better than jump scares.

Final Twist – Whether you like it or not, it’s pretty bold.

The Setting – The snowy Russian setting is brilliant.

Bad Points

Acting/Characters – Less said, the better. Thankfully the film doesn’t rely on them being good, even though it would have helped, but it might put some people off.

Pacing Issues – It can be a bit slow at times, so if you don’t like slow burners, avoid.

CGI – It’s bad.

Is Devil’s Pass Worth Watching?

I really like it, so I would say yes. It’s a good watch, but it has its flaws too which might bother some. The acting is pretty bad and it can be slow. And you have to ride the wave of believability at times, too.

But I will say it again, it has some great atmosphere I think, and some genuinely good moments, and while I can understand the mixed views within the found footage community, I am a fan.

Where To Watch

Check on Justwatch

Director and Cast

Directors – Renny Harlin.

Main Cast – Holly Goss, Matt Stokoe, Luke Albright, Ryan Hawley, Gemma Atkinson