Reviews: Loch Ness: They Created a Monster from IFFO 2024

Final Rating: 3.5/5

“If you build it, they will come…” Few things capture our imagination like the possibility of discovery, in particular that of an unknown creature. And few legends are more iconic than that of the Loch Ness Monster. For hundreds of years the tale has been passed, generation to generation, around pubs and campfires alike, of what lies beneath the murky depth of this massive Scottish lake. Innumerable articles, blogs, documentaries, even Mr. Spock himself, have sought to find the answer, and in large part spawned the multi-million dollar industry that has sprung up around the Loch, it’s most famous ‘resident’, and the annual tourism it generates. 

Loch Ness: They Created a Monster, directed by John MacLaverty, now among these resources it adds to the iconography, however, to its credit, it takes a unique spin. Rather than churn out merely another monster hunt expose, it turns the camera on those who spent countless hours trying to discover the beast, gain instant notoriety, and what drove them to oft incredible lengths. 

The doc does a compelling job of both capturing the intrigue and genuine enthusiasm of trying to discover this creature, and just how far some of those people would go to convince others of its authenticity. Much of the focus is on the 70’s and the boom era in Loch searchers into the 80‘s. Numerous camps and other ‘official’ investigative parties sprung up like mushrooms, as they flocked to this scenic region to try and lay claim to being the first to provide the legitimate evidence of this legend. 

Loch Ness fever was not confined simply to the region as people came from all over the globe, including a Japanese group armed with all the latest technology, and no shortage of refreshments, whose promoter (who’d worked to promote fights for Muhammed Ali among others) was certain they were to be the ones to deliver this prize to the world, and (more specifically) Queen Elizabeth II. She may still be awaiting word.

Much of the footage is done via current interviews with those who were there and attempted to find the beast, cut against or interspersed with older footage of them in that era, discussing all the trials and tribulations that this chase presented. From the disappointment and countless lonely hours scanning the empty horizon, to the hostility (escalating to violence in some cases) that arose between various factions, it’s all worthy of intrigue. 

The interviews are overlapped with a tour guide narrating to a bus full of tourists, as she relates to them the various tales of the Loch and those who came seeking fame and fortune. One thing that becomes clear among most who claimed to have seen the monster, and sold this fact either to TV networks, or financers, is that they all had something to gain from it. Cottage industries popped up, consisting of tourism, and photo sales, providing notoriety for those who provided this ‘evidence’ and all that comes along with it. It allows the viewer to make their own decision on the ethical nature of some of those involved, though it’s less murky than the waters in this regard. However, as each photo was questioned, each theory or piece of evidence debunked, each sighting rationalized the likelihood that we’d ever find the fabled monster ebbed like the tide. 

But, never let the truth get in the way of a good story… the ensuing years have seen thousands upon thousands flock to the area to hear the tale, and take in the sights for themselves, perhaps to catch a glimpse, or maybe just to satisfy a curiosity. The doc will in no doubt appeal to those with both knowledge of the story or casual interest. Does it get us any further in the facts? Probably not, but half the fun is believing.

Loch Ness: They Created a Monster was seen during the 2024 International Film Festival of Ottawa.