Horror in the High Desert

Since the beginning of the pandemic I expected to see some projects that were already started to be finished while most filmmakers where sheltering at home but once these projects were done I didn’t expect to see many new indie films hit the market. With new covid guidelines and social distancing I would imagine filming a new film would be relatively difficult. While I’ve seen a huge decline in indie releases in recent months I still get surprised from time to time with a new one that I had not heard about.Horror in the High Desert 2021.

A few weeks ago director Dutch Marich reached out to me to review his newest film Horror in the High Desert. I befriended Dutch on social media sometime ago and was familiar with his work but I had no idea that he had just finished this project. I agreed to check it out and the second I had some free time to spin I gave it a go. Thanks Dutch for sending this one my way.

The film is a mockumentary about the disappearance of outdoor enthusiast and YouTuber Gary Hinge (Mencis). Gary went out into the woods to investigate a small shack he had found on a previous trip but never returns. The local authorities and people from the community search for him but are unable to find his remains. However, things take a chilling turn when his backpack is found with his severed hand clutching his camera. **Spoiler Alert**

I didn’t know what to expect from this one when Dutch asked me to review it. I hit play and after ten minutes or so I was ready to write a negative review. However, I stuck with it and after each passing moment I found myself getting drawn in. I like to call this the Trailer Park Boys syndrome. The first season of TPB is horrible but after that episode you are greeted with one of the best television shows in history. Horror in the High Desert does have a slow start but the longer you sit with it the more you start to appreciate and enjoy it.