"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.
Plot summary
The story takes place in a mythological universe full of creatures based on the legends of Mexican culture. Its title refers to a curse and focuses on witches who feed on children. Nala, a 13-year-old city girl, travels with her family to her grandmother's house in the countryside to try to find a cure for her little sister's mysterious illness. However, she soon learns the truth about her grandmother.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Mexican folk horror!
Well, they tried...
The production is amazing but what's the need for the main brat to be so arrogant? Why is she on her cell phone if she has no signal or data? Why did she go to the pool if she had already seen that it was filthy and full of leaves?
The mom's attitude is so soap opera-like that it's uncomfortable and the dad's comments are so cringe-inducing that you can tell he's just there as filler.
And as in all Mexican films, the dialogue is unlistenable at times.
The scenes with the triplets are very beautiful, excellent production.
The makeup is incredible.
The effects are not too bad.
The musicians overexert themselves, playing scary music in scenes where only the mother and daughter are fighting (again).
The creature and its movements are excellent.
How the hell can you get a bad signal on a landline?
The dancers in the coven were amazing, the only good actors in the film.
The tinnitus when they found them is unnecessary and terrible.
It's laughable the times they use Danse Macabre.
I liked the ending.
Witchcraft from Mexico
"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.