Jeff Daniel Phillips’s ‘CURSED IN BAJA’ (2024) – Movie Review

I was never into “smart horror”. For me the simplest movies are the best most of the time. However, every once in a while, I get the craving to sit back and think about things. I can say I enjoyed Cursed in Baja for what it was. It’s a deep dive down into the heart of a psychological thriller. Let’s jump into the review.

Synopsis

A former lawman (Jeff Daniel Phillips) is sent on a mission to find a rich heir that has gone missing. With his own jaded past he follows the trail to Mexico and through the Baja Desert where he will have to face several secrets of his own. In a terrifying journey through the desert. The lawman tries to pick up the pieces to a shattered life.

Here’s a look at the trailer.

A Rundown

What I do like about the movie is that once you see it twice, everything fits into place. Is it scary? Of course not. Some movies aren’t built to be that way. Cursed in Baja is like a bad acid trip. There is so much going on while there is not much going on. The movie was written, directed and produced by Jeff Daniel Phillips and he got the job done. It was not something I would expect from him as we all know, he holds a high spot in the horror genre. I don’t say that about too many modern movies at all, especially movies that aren’t horror based. This sat well though, as confusing it was the first time iI watched it.

What you don’t expect is how interesting it is since it’s a new kind of story telling. The idea is definitely one of a kind. Though it gives you nostalgia over cop movies, this isn’t quite what you need. Cursed in Baja is a new kid in town, and it came out swinging. I may not be interested. I love the idea of a crooked past, just trying to find salvation by helping others. Even if it was forced on them.

The acting in this movie is spot on. You can tell everyone’s passion in their character. It makes the movie seem that much more real. Also, this kind of stuff happens a lot in real life. Cursed in Baja knows how to slow burn in a good way. I have a feeling if this movie would have went zero to sixty right away, I wouldn’t have been interested. The crew really mastered the craft on how to keep a smart horror interesting by throwing in important storylines into different portions of the movie.

In the end

I am not going to bash this movie because I really did enjoy it. It just took a bit to understand. Cursed in Baja is a movie everyone needs to watch. If you are into thrillers, you might like it better than the horror community. We all have different ways of looking at the world, it can either be a comedy, or a tragedy. I choose to try and see the comedy so I don’t let my illnesses control me. This movie has everything from dry comedy, to pure awkward. it sucks you right in. I don’t regret giving this a chance at all.

Cursed in Baja will be in VOD starting October 29, and DVD/Blu-ray on December 10.