When it comes to cryptozoology and paranormal phenomena, few cryptids are as captivating as the Flatwoods Monster. The bizarre 1952 encounter has inspired books, films, and documentaries.
One of the more interesting ones is “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear,” directed by Seth Breedlove.
This 45-minute film, part of the acclaimed “Small Town Monsters” series, takes us back to the night of September 12, 1952, in the small town of Flatwoods, West Virginia.
So, should you watch it?
In this article:
The Flatwoods Monster Incident
First things first: what exactly was the Flatwoods Monster incident?
The Flatwoods Monster is a notable UFO sighting on September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, West Virginia.
According to reports, Edward and Fred May and their friend Tommy Hyer allegedly saw a bright object crash on a nearby hill.
They, along with Kathleen May and other locals, went to investigate and reported seeing a 10-foot tall creature with a red face, glowing eyes, and a green dress-like garment.
The encounter included a pulsating red light and a pungent mist, which caused them to flee in terror.
Following the incident, Kathleen May contacted local authorities.
The next day, investigations revealed unusual skid marks and a greasy substance at the site but no conclusive evidence of the creature or the crashed object.
The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear Documentary
“The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear” is a gripping documentary by Small Town Monsters about the weird events of the 1952 Flatwoods Monster incident.
The episode builds its narrative around interviews with the remaining witnesses, offering firsthand accounts of their terrifying experiences.
What makes “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear” stand out is how all these personal experiences are interwoven with historical context. It’s a clever yet simple way of helping viewers grasp the broader significance of the event and its impact on the local community and beyond.
The documentary revisits the decades-old mystery—which included a government-ordered military examination of an alleged alien crash site and numerous UFO sightings by residents of Braxton County, West Virginia.
As the Pentagon has recently begun to disclose details about UFO investigations dating back to the 1940s, the Flatwoods Monster incident is being reevaluated in a new light.
The film features two of the remaining witnesses who aim to set the record straight about what they encountered that night. It also features footage and images from inside the Flatwoods Monster Museum in West Virginia.
Creative Approach
Another aspect we liked about “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear” is its creative visual storytelling.
Simply put, the documentary brings the 1950s setting to life using bright, colorful filters, smooth aerial shots, and atmospheric recreations.
The visual style is reminiscent of classic sci-fi films from that era, adding a layer of nostalgic charm to the documentary. We loved it.
The animations and effects (created by Chris and Brandon Scalf) and the stop-motion work (by Santino Vitale) are also particularly noteworthy.
When you put everything together—along with a haunting musical soundtrack composed by Brandon Dalo for the documentary—you have an immersive experience that draws viewers into the eerie atmosphere of Flatwoods on that fateful night.
Balanced Storytelling
Director Seth Breedlove is known for his balanced approach to storytelling, and this documentary is no exception.
He presents the witnesses’ accounts with respect and impartiality, allowing viewers to form their personal opinions about the events.
We truly appreciate that this respectful treatment extends to the broader historical context (including references to other famous UFO sightings and incidents from the same period, such as the Mothman sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and the Roswell incident).
Honestly, it’s a welcome change for this cryptid narrative.
Most other documentaries—like “Monsters and Mysteries in America” (2013) on Destination America, “Paranormal Witness” (2011) on Syfy, “UFO Hunters” (2008-2009) on History Channel, and “Alien Mysteries” (2013) on Discovery Channel Canada—don’t really try to capture what exactly happened on that night.
Instead, they focus on the sensational, often ignoring facts that could actually change the entire narrative.
Documentary Reception
The documentary has been well-received by critics and audiences alike. What did people like? Well, the storytelling, visual style, and thorough investigation.
The creative team’s efforts have been highlighted as a major strength of the film, with particular commendation for Zac Palmisano’s cinematography and J.D. Riggs’s monster effects.
However, some criticisms have been noted.
A few reviewers pointed out that the interview cinematography occasionally seemed inconsistent, and there was a perceived tonal mismatch between the animations and the documentary’s serious subject matter.
Despite these minor issues, the film’s overall quality is there.
Where to Watch “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear”
You can watch “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear” on several streaming platforms:
- Tubi TV: The documentary is free with ads on Tubi TV.
- Amazon Prime Video: It is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
- Pluto TV: You can also stream it for free on Pluto TV.
Out of all these options, we would recommend Amazon Prime Video. Prime Video provides an ad-free viewing experience; you can download it to your device to watch offline when you don’t have access to the internet; or you can stream “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear” (and many other movies and documentaries) anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices, including smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, and computers.
Should You Watch “The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear”?
The short answer is yes. It’s a great experience whether you’re a UFO enthusiast, a fan of paranormal documentaries, or just curious about historical mysteries.
