L'œil du mal

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.

"Mal de ojo" is one of the best Mexican horror films of recent years, Isaac Ezban has shown his talent as a director and now he comes with his best film to date. Ezban masterfully brings a script of folk horror to the screen, including witches and related themes with a touch of fairy tale. The production design is tremendous, the special effects are realistic and beautifully crafted, the skinless witch is incredible. The performances are good, highlighting the legendary Ofelia Medina. The cinematography is well done with several nods to the giallo. The filming locations are a success, both interior and exterior are perfect. It is worth mentioning that the film pays tribute to several horror classics such as "Carrie", "Suspiria" and "Hellraiser", achieving a nostalgic effect that is appreciated. A modern classic of Mexican horror cinema.

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.

"Nala, a 13-year-old girl from the city, travels with her family to her grandmother's home in the countryside, to try to find a cure for her little sister's mysterious illness - But she'll soon find her granny is not exactly what she seems."

7/10

A kind of folk horror about the cruelty of time. I find Mexican and Spanish horror films very different and I like to explore other Latin genre flicks. This is the first film I watch by Isaac Ezban and I got to admit that it felt like a pleasant surprise.

Sure, I hoped to find more subtext and it certainly have its plot flaws, but overall it's a solid horror picture.