An Unknown Compelling Force

Fascinating documentary film about the facts (as far as they are known) and theories surrounding the notorious Dyatlov Pass incident (the unexplained violent deaths of a nine-strong Russian hiking team - all students - in the remote Ural mountains in 1959). It includes detailed assessments by modern-day forensic and medical experts (both Russian and American) of the incident scene, the statements and case notes of the original investigators, the hikers own diaries and notebooks written during their trip, the developed film from the hikers own cameras, and the original autopsy findings/photographs. We'll probably never know the cause of their bizarre behaviour on their final night and their horrendous deaths soon afterwards - but whatever happened was clearly catastrophic. 9/10.

It's well-produced for a smaller documentary. I found the narration honest and straightforward. The music was pleasant. The assertions were measured and factual. And the tension was well-built.

I really enjoyed this movie - it was a great blend of investigation and adventure.

There's so much information out there on the subject, but I think this film does the best job to look at all the information and sort through it in a way that makes sense.

Sure if you're already an "expert" on the subject you might know a lot of this stuff, but I still think you'll get a lot from it.

I learned more about who the hikers were than in any of the other online videos and I really enjoyed seeing what the location was actually like, was awesome! I think this film is onto something in terms of the theory.. but I like how it leaves something for us to think about... A must watch for mystery and true crime fans!!

It goes without saying that it's clear a lot of work went into this film. It's easy to tell director Liam Le Guillou's soul was very much in this project and you can tell it's a mystery he is clearly very passionate about understanding.

The film boasts stunning cinematography, great commentary from Guillou himself and some interesting interviews with individuals who were around at the time of the incident and modern specialists who can shine a new light on what may have happened. It should also be noted a lot of care for the victim's is present by all involved throughout the film.

At its core the Dyatlov Pass Incident is a story of loss and tragedy, something the film makes clear. Although 1959 may seem long ago, it's quite possible members of the team would still be alive today if they had returned safely from their expedition, reminding us this is a modern mystery.

The possibilities put forward in the film are believable and make sure to not go too far past the point of sounding far fetched. In the end the cause of the students deaths that is settled upon as most credible and quite possible has a lot to back it up. The findings are definitely strong.

An excellent documentary that deserves plenty of praise. The world may never get full answers on what happened to those smart, adventurous young students that cold night in the Russian Urals, but this documentary does it's very best to give us as an answer.

In a mystery where aliens, yetis, secret soviet psychological weapons and other extreme possibilities have been put forward over the years, 'An Unknown Compelling Force' keeps it's head on straight and delves into the most likely causes, not the most far fetched which is highly refreshing.

Chilling and thought provoking doc about the unsolved deaths of a group of young Soviets. Must watch for fans of unsolved mysteries.