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.

A Worthwhile account of the Dyatlov Pass Incident mystery in a very good foto documentary about what's really happened that night . The evidence it's here. A remarkable true story very well told.

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

People who track this incident over the years may not be as impressed as I am with this documentary. I truly enjoyed the balanced approach and how logic was used to rule out wild speculation. I agree with the "speculative" conclusion eluded to toward the end of the documentary. Based on the information presented, I have a logical explanation regarding what some may view as remaining unanswered questions. Imagine you decide to force people to freeze to death and notice someone managed to build a fire. You would likely think plan "A" isn't working out as intended. Therefore, you go to their location and finish any survivors off. Again, this is my own speculation.

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.