Legends of lake and sea monsters probably predate the invention of the wheel, so it’s logical that nearly every continent has its own localized version of the Loch Ness Monster. Growing up in Canada, I was introduced to a plethora of bizarre creatures said to inhabit the Great Lakes (from Champy to the Turtle Lake Monster), but none of them could ever match the popularity of British Columbia’s iconic horned mascot, the only Ogopogo.

And with the monster’s reputation only growing now that online cryptozoology is bringing together hobbyists and researchers from around the world, it was only a matter of time before the Small Town Monsters team would head north to take on the Ogopogo in a brand new documentary. Aptly titled Cursed Waters: Creature of Lake Okanagan, The new film stands out for its appreciation of indigenous beliefs that are routinely overlooked in most conversations about what’s in the lake.

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If you are not familiar with the horned beast and its stories of demanding sacrifices from the natives and scaring away foreign settlers, Cursed Waters does a great job of bringing viewers in touch with all the classic myths and so-called “evidence” spanning hundreds of years. From stories of horses getting sucked into the water to the infamous 8mm shot showing a mysterious, writhing figure making its way across the lake, the film covers all the bases before diving into less-explored territory – though even these obligatory segments are presented in a smart and oddly reassuring way.

I’m not sure if it’s because these stories are told by non-fanatics working with local experts, or if it’s simply because Eli Watson and the rest of the Small Town Monsters team have honed their storytelling skills over time (just compare the trailer for this film to their previous work if you need proof), but the result is that Cursed Waters succeeds where many other cryptid documents have failed.

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Rather than exploiting the audience’s existing beliefs, the film invites us to take a journey with our intrepid filmmakers, getting to know local characters and hearing their perspectives. There’s also a healthy appreciation for the Okanagan Valley itself, with the film even boasting an environmental slant that I think makes it much more powerful than a run-of-the-mill cryptid-hunting show – especially with all the beautiful aerial shots of the British Columbia Valley.

By avoiding cheap scare stories and exaggerated conclusions and instead focusing on the vibrant diversity of culture Vicinity While it’s more about the Ogopogo than the beast itself, the film is still entertaining even if you believe sea monsters are about as real as the Tooth Fairy. That being said, there’s plenty of (admittedly anecdotal) evidence here for cryptozoology geeks like me to sink their teeth into, though your experience may depend on how seriously you take this kind of research.

The film actually includes an extensive discussion of the Ogopogo’s most recent (and viral) photo, which is the climax of the film. While this section will likely divide audiences due to the image’s Rorschach-like qualities (almost every single viewer seems to interpret the photo completely differently), I think it’s a smart idea to focus on the people living alongside the legend, precisely because of that.

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Of course, there are a few known errors along the way, such as a handful of redundant interviews and exaggerated theories based on flimsy eyewitness accounts. But these issues all seem pretty minor when compared to the genuine human warmth present in the rest of the experience. In fact, while I am a big fan of cryptic documents, Cursed Waters is a far cry from the usual talking heads and horror movie reenactments that usually populate the genre.

That’s not to say there aren’t any reenactments or even CGI depictions of the creature here. It’s just that the filmmakers make a point of portraying the beast as either some sort of real biological animal or a sacred water spirit protecting the lake – never a sensational monster designed to scare the audience like in a cheap mockumentary. Personally, I even think the fin-eared design the artists went with ended up looking kind of cute!

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Regardless of whether you actually believe in the Ogopogo or not, I recommend Cursed Waters: Creature of Lake Okanagan for anyone interested in cryptozoology and Canadian First Nations folklore. While I don’t think the documentary will change anyone’s mind about the existence of sea monsters, it is full of fascinating (if sometimes accidental) insights into the development of myths, while also shining a much-needed spotlight on an underappreciated part of Canadian culture.

And since the final product is both entertaining and informative (I had no idea that the name “Ogopogo” was actually borrowed from an old novelty song and not some form of indigenous culture), I can only hope that Small Town Monsters’ next cryptozoological endeavor is as inspired as this one.

Cursed Waters: Creature of Lake Okanagan is now available on Prime Video, but you can also visit the official Small Town Monsters website to purchase it on physical media!

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