Horror in the High Desert
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 27, 2021
Genre
Horror, Thriller, Mockumentary
Cast & Crew
- Eric Mencis as Gary Hinge
- Tonya Williams Ogden as Beverly Hinge
- Suziey Block as Gal Roberts
- David Morales as Bill Salerno
Director
Dutch Marich
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Reaptown (2020)
- Hunting (2015)
Producer
Dutch Marich, Ed Blainey
Writer
Dutch Marich
Budget
$60,000 (estimated)
Production Company
Badlands Features
Running Time
82 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
NR (Not Rated) – Contains disturbing content
Content Advisory
- Disturbing imagery
- Mild language
- Themes of isolation and danger
Movie Story
“Horror in the High Desert” is a chilling found-footage-style horror film that blends the mockumentary format with suspenseful storytelling. The film follows the mysterious disappearance of Gary Hinge (Eric Mencis), an experienced outdoor enthusiast and survivalist who vanishes without a trace while hiking in the remote wilderness of Nevada’s high desert. The story unfolds through interviews with Gary’s friends, family, and investigators, as well as footage from Gary’s own vlogs and other sources, piecing together the events leading up to his disappearance.
As the narrative progresses, the film reveals that Gary had been documenting his outdoor adventures and sharing them online. In the months leading up to his disappearance, he became increasingly obsessed with an abandoned cabin he discovered in the middle of the desert, which seemed to harbor a dark and sinister presence. Despite warnings from those close to him, Gary returned to the cabin to investigate further, but he never returned.
The film builds tension through its use of the mockumentary style, making the events feel real and immediate. The interviews with those who knew Gary provide a sense of dread as they recount his growing paranoia and fascination with the mysterious cabin. The film’s climax is revealed through found footage, showcasing the terrifying final moments of Gary’s journey into the desert.
“Horror in the High Desert” is an exploration of the fear of the unknown and the dangers that lurk in isolated places. The film effectively uses its low budget to create an atmosphere of unease and suspense, making the most of its simple premise and eerie setting.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Horror in the High Desert” are minimal, focusing instead on practical effects and the power of suggestion to build tension. The film relies heavily on the atmosphere created by its remote setting, the eerie silence of the desert, and the unsettling nature of the found footage. The limited use of special effects adds to the realism of the story, making the horror elements feel more grounded and believable. The film’s climax, which involves the discovery of Gary’s final moments, uses subtle effects to enhance the sense of dread without relying on jump scares or overt gore.
Box Office Performance
“Horror in the High Desert” was released directly to streaming platforms, where it gained attention for its unique approach to the found-footage genre. The film developed a cult following among horror enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate low-budget horror with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and psychological tension. While it did not have a theatrical release, its success on streaming platforms demonstrated the potential for indie horror films to reach a wide audience.
Filming Locations
- Elko, Nevada, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Gary loved the outdoors, but something about that place changed him.”
- “He went out there looking for answers, and he found something far worse.”
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Dutch Marich, known for his work in the horror genre, crafted “Horror in the High Desert” with a focus on realism and tension. The film’s mockumentary style was inspired by true crime documentaries, aiming to blur the line between fiction and reality. The choice to use a found-footage format allowed Marich to work within a limited budget while maximizing the impact of the story. The cast, made up of relatively unknown actors, contributed to the film’s authenticity, with their performances enhancing the believability of the narrative.
Awards
“Horror in the High Desert” did not receive major awards but gained recognition and praise within the indie horror community for its effective use of the found-footage genre and its ability to create suspense with minimal resources.
Final Verdict
“Horror in the High Desert” is a compelling entry in the found-footage horror genre, offering a tense and eerie experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s mockumentary style and minimalistic approach to horror create a sense of realism that heightens the suspense and makes the fear more relatable. While the film’s pacing may be slow for some viewers, those who appreciate psychological horror and atmospheric storytelling will find “Horror in the High Desert” to be a haunting and memorable watch.
IMDb Rating
5.5/10