MOVIE REVIEW
Cursed in Baja
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Genre: Crime, Horror, Thriller, Action, Adventure
Year Released: 2024 Anchor Bay Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Jeff Daniel Phillips
Writer(s): Jeff Daniel Phillips
Cast: Jeff Daniel Phillips, Barbara Crampton, Douglas Tait, Jessica Makinson, Michael Shamus Wiles, Constance Forslund, Hugo Armstrong, Barry Del Sherman, Jose Conejo Martin
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In his first outing as director, Jeff Daniel Phillips presents CURSED IN BAJA, an original film that examines the boundaries between the known and the unknown. This story follows the journey of Pirelli, a former lawman whose current life as a janitor underscores his once-distinguished past. Drawn into a quest to locate a wealthy family’s lost relative, Quinn Kemper, Pirelli's trek across the mysterious terrains of Baja, Mexico, evolves into a profound personal odyssey, confronting his shadows amid the region's ancient legends.

Phillips pulls triple duty, directing and writing the film’s creative vision and embodying its tormented protagonist. His portrayal of Pirelli is a deep dive into a soul haunted by regrets, captured through an intense series of flashbacks. These shifts in time slice through the narrative, offering a layered exploration of Pirelli's complex psyche and amplifying the story's suspense.

The rugged landscapes of Baja do more than set the scene; they silently speak volumes, adding texture to the film’s aesthetic. The authenticity of this setting contrasts with the surreal elements of the plot, including eerie encounters with the legendary Chupacabra and a mysterious Russian cult. Phillips’ vision was to fuse these storytelling elements into a unified narrative tale.

A pivotal element of CURSED IN BAJA is its dedication to practical effects, a choice that harkens back to the golden age of horror and fantasy cinema. This commitment helped enrich the film's vision and ensures that the horrors within remain formidable in the unfolding drama, enhancing the impact of supernatural encounters.

The ensemble cast, featuring Finnegan Seeker Bell as the enigmatic Quinn and supported by Mark Fite and Jacely Fuentes, delivers strong performances that cement the film's narrative. Genre fans will appreciate Barbara Crampton’s brief yet memorable appearance, which bridges Phillips’ filmmaking with classic horror traditions.

At its core, CURSED IN BAJA is an introspective tale of redemption and confronting the specters of one’s past. Pirelli’s quest—to locate Quinn and to piece together his fragmented existence—challenges him to navigate a maze of internal and external struggles. The film probes themes of identity, redemption, and the possibility of personal transformation.

CURSED IN BAJA’s ambitious, nonlinear plot structure might challenge more than a few viewers with its complex twists and elusive character motives. However, these story elements are not fully developed, leaving viewers questioning what could have been. Phillips makes a bold statement in indie cinema. The film unabashedly showcases its quirks, blending a modest budget with an artistic approach.

Phillips’ debut is an admirable showcase of his distinctive voice. CURSED IN BAJA transports its audience to a captivating world where reality and fantasy merge. It is an expedition worth embarking upon for cinema-goers seeking films that challenge conventional boundaries and provide a distinct narrative experience.

Bonus Materials:
Commentary with Writer / Director / Lead Jeff Daniel Phillips
Cursed in Baja: The Making Of
ENG/LAS subs

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[photo courtesy of ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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