Mal de ojo

I hadn't heard about this 2022 Mexican horror movie titled "Mal De Ojo" (aka "Evil Eye") prior to sitting down to watch it. All I knew about it was that it was a horror movie. And that was essentially also all I needed to give it a go.

Writers Junior Rosario, Edgar San Juan and Isaac Ezban put together a rather enjoyable script for the movie. Though I had figured out the plot about 40 minutes into the movie, and it actually panned out as I had predicted it to.

The storyline and narrative in "Mal De Ojo" was good and entertaining. It was a well-written story and concept, and it provided me with genuine entertainment.

I was by no means familiar with the cast ensemble in this movie as I have next to no experience with the Mexican cinema. But the actresses and actors in the movie put on good performances.

Visually then "Mal De Ojo" was quite good. I liked the special effects in the movie.

My rating of director Isaac Ezban's "Mal De Ojo" movie lands on a six out of ten stars.

Mal de Ojo (or Evil Eye for the English title) is a Mexican horror movie. It's actually a decent movie with some creepy moments. The horror scenes are well done and worth watching, gives the story a creepy ambiance. There are not much of those scenes though (or not enough in my opinion) and that's a pity because the make-up was well done. A bit more of those scenes would have benefited the story and rating of this movie. The acting was good and that from the entire cast, from kids to adults. The cinematography was also good, certainly for Mexican standards. It's worth a watch if you're into witchcraft and urban tales.

From an audiovisual point of view, this is a really successful film. Mysterious scenes promise a pure atmospheric experience, but the creators, in the pursuit of a final surprise, commit more and more illogicalities over time, and the initial incomprehensibility of the story, reflected in the rumor about the triplets and the witch, is therefore not only due to the mysterious atmosphere. The creators are equally trying to create an effective, well-thought-out horror film, but they run into the aforementioned illogicalities and an immoral or unethical conclusion that arises due to the initial incomprehensibility of the story, and as a result, it is also not certain whether the film is supposed to be a black comedy or a mysterious horror.

We all know the story behind The Evil Eye. Actually, many stories- and in most countries those stories are taken quite seriously. Mexico is one. It's been said that just a strong glance can cast a spell on those most vulnerable- babies and small children- resulting in illness or even death. The Aztec and Mayan Cultures date this phenomenon back as early as 1300 BC. Even today, almost all countries have bracelets designed to either repel or absorb this "negative energy".

Now, take the truly original imagination of one of Mexico's most gifted young filmmakers- and you may have something really special.

This story revolves around a family of 4 - William & Rebecca, and their two young daughters- Nala (played by promising Paola Miguel) and Luna- who is ill. The movie begins with her hospitalization. She has organ failure and there is nothing more they can do. In desperation, Rebecca turns to her estranged mother- played brilliantly by Ofelia Medina. She has not seen her mother in years, and the family have never met her. Ezban creates immediate sustained tension between all 3 women. Parents go away for a few days, leaving both kids alone with Grandma and her Maid - Abigail. Right off the bat, Nala and Grandma are at each other's throats. Their angst grows while little Luna's life hangs in the balance.

One night, Abigail tells both kids a scary tale about Triplets. In the story, an evil Witch pays them a visit at night to suck a child's blood in order to steal their youth. One girl got so sick, that the other 2 sisters in the story sought help from a Sorcerer and struck a deal- She taught the girls how to make a "Baca"- a Caribbean mythical being who grants wishes but in turn- brings evil. The stage is set.

What fascinates me with Witchcraft are the details. For example, they remove their skin - when they fly- only to "reskin" themselves later, and Salt proves deadly. Ezban creates this horrifying creature with little to no CGI. This film is a battle to the end between Grandma and Nala until reaching its shocking, conclusion.

Shout out to the amazing Production Design by Adelle Achar- Her work was brilliant in "El Incidente" as well. Her imagination and attention to detail perfectly complements Ezban's unique vision. Solid 8/10.

The Good Stuff:

• I just love when horror movies uses practical effects. There's a scene that reminded me of a Xenomorph from Aliens. I just loved it.

• Coco gave the world a view about mexican culture in a "cute" way. But this movie will teach you things about the witchcraft in Mexico.

• Almost every scene in the movie is a great scene to watch. All the colors fit and they used some nice effects for lights.

The Bad Stuff:

• The biggest problem I found watching this movie is maybe because I saw it in a bad place. But there's every now and then a hight pitch noise that just hurt hearing it.

• The ending seems to me like it was added in the last moment so no one will be "confused"

Overall: Great movie, maybe no the best. But way more interesting than your typicall slasher film.

It is a great movie to learn more about the "dark" side of Mexican culture. If you like practical effects, Mexico and witchcraft.