O Olho do Mal

"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.

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.

What I really liked was that the movie never gets boring. It is always suspenseful and you keep focussed. The movie has a good and suitable atmosphere.

Also the music is great. It is not dominant but still noticeable and always suitable to the corresponding scene.

The scaring effects where almost always predictable but still good and still scaring - at least in the cinema.

The story was good even if I expected most of the "plot twists".

I also liked the design of the creatures and other stuff.

Overall I would say it is a quite classic movie. Don't expect too much nee stuff or things you have never Seen.

"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.

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.