This movie should be subtitled "Sestero's Folly". Where to begin? The script is ridiculous and has enough plot holes to drive a Mack truck through. There is zero character development. It's not scary. There are a few jump scares and some undeserved gore toward the end. Most of the actors are first-timers and boy, does it show. This movie is not "so bad - it's good". It's "so bad - it's awful". And, as a protagonist, Michael Myers in Halloween Kills, has more range and ability to convey emotion than Greg Sestero does. Sestero can seriously be outacted by a block of wood. The direction is competent but boring. I gave it two stars because its Arizona and Fallingwater settings were pretty. Please, Tommy or whoever is financing Sestero's film dreams, please stop!! And, Greg Sestero, just because you can (make a full-length movie), doesn't mean you should.
9 Reviews
A Great Throwback Horror Film
Agent106 March 2022
Over the years, Greg Sestero has become something of a renaissance man. While many would climb into their niche and gladly stay in their lane, Sestero has built himself a career on the heels of one of the greatest cinematic atrocities in recent memory. He may always be Mark in our hearts, but he at least is branching out into other avenues.
Aside from his foray into the world of publishing (where he gifted the world The Disaster Artist) Sestero is starting to make his own films. Thanks to the help of many people, we got the admirable effort in Best F(r)iends, a decent showcase for himself and Tommy Wiseau as they look to build and even move on from their post The Room fame. Now Sestero has completely gone on his own, giving us his first solo horror project in Miracle Valley. Based on a cult that actually existed in the scenic Arizona landscape the film was shot in, Sestero churned out the script during a quiet sabbatical to get away from Hollywood and touring for his previous project. What we get is a slow burn film reminiscent of the 70s Grindhouse scene.
The story is simple enough as Sestero and his girlfriend (who definitely appear to be on the outs), are about to spend some time in Southern Arizona along with some friends. Sestero's "David" is looking for an elusive bird that would gift him plenty of monetary fame, but while he is searching he and his girlfriend Sarah stumble upon a weird cult led by the preacher Father Jake. Madness ensues when they find out Sarah has a special blood type the cult has been looking for, and all hell breaks loose in the final third of the film.
The best aspects of the movie is the great care Sestero put into the project. Rather than just live of his name and let his legion of devoted fans lap up anything he makes, he worked for a good year to get the look, sound design and editing to make the film look as legit as it can be. And for the most part, it succeeds. While the film will most likely end up on a streaming service, it is well made and tries to be the best film it can be. I especially liked Rick Edwards, who had the most interesting arc in the film. First he seems like a shoulder to lean on, and next thing you know he is beating people up in all his shirtless glory. What a pro.
Watch this film when you can, for I think you will be satisfied in the final product. Hopefully Sestero takes what he learned from this when he makes his next film.
Aside from his foray into the world of publishing (where he gifted the world The Disaster Artist) Sestero is starting to make his own films. Thanks to the help of many people, we got the admirable effort in Best F(r)iends, a decent showcase for himself and Tommy Wiseau as they look to build and even move on from their post The Room fame. Now Sestero has completely gone on his own, giving us his first solo horror project in Miracle Valley. Based on a cult that actually existed in the scenic Arizona landscape the film was shot in, Sestero churned out the script during a quiet sabbatical to get away from Hollywood and touring for his previous project. What we get is a slow burn film reminiscent of the 70s Grindhouse scene.
The story is simple enough as Sestero and his girlfriend (who definitely appear to be on the outs), are about to spend some time in Southern Arizona along with some friends. Sestero's "David" is looking for an elusive bird that would gift him plenty of monetary fame, but while he is searching he and his girlfriend Sarah stumble upon a weird cult led by the preacher Father Jake. Madness ensues when they find out Sarah has a special blood type the cult has been looking for, and all hell breaks loose in the final third of the film.
The best aspects of the movie is the great care Sestero put into the project. Rather than just live of his name and let his legion of devoted fans lap up anything he makes, he worked for a good year to get the look, sound design and editing to make the film look as legit as it can be. And for the most part, it succeeds. While the film will most likely end up on a streaming service, it is well made and tries to be the best film it can be. I especially liked Rick Edwards, who had the most interesting arc in the film. First he seems like a shoulder to lean on, and next thing you know he is beating people up in all his shirtless glory. What a pro.
Watch this film when you can, for I think you will be satisfied in the final product. Hopefully Sestero takes what he learned from this when he makes his next film.
A gratifyingly strong horror-thriller, if imperfect
I_Ailurophile29 October 2022
It's no fault of his own, but it's safe to say that Greg Sestero's name carries a small measure of infamy with it. For anything he's done in his career, his collaboration with Tommy Wiseau on 'The room' is what he's best known for. What might a movie look like that he has written and directed, in addition to starring in? What level of sincerity should we expect from it?
There's an uncomfortable tension carving through 'Miracle Valley' as oddities and conflicts pile up of one form or another. There's also a certain lack of subtlety dancing around the edges, such as in the dialogue, sound design, and music cues, and arguably in the lighting and cinematography. Something feels Off about the film from the very start, and it's hard to get a grasp on whether it's an intentional unease about the course of events leading into the major turn, or an inelegance and indelicacy in how the picture is put together. It's not wrong to say that this is a little bit of a mixed bag, so maybe it's some Column A, and some Column B. For while this would benefit from being tightened in its writing and direction, as the narrative ramps up it carries a dark atmosphere adjoining its violence that's quietly enticing. When all is said and done, you know what? This is pretty fun!
While all aspects of the presentation would benefit from a tad more finesse in Sestero's direction - not least of all the acting - I nonetheless recognize a fairly firm command of the medium that he's obviously developed in the past 18 years or so. Independent movies exist on a wide spectrum of quality, and to me 'Miracle Valley' comes off as being in the upper middle of that range: imperfect, but sincere and hard-working after all, and satisfying. The production design and art direction are fairly strong, and while the special effects aren't the absolute best, they're quite suitable. More readily commendable are practical effects including blood, and any special makeup that's employed. Despite rough edges, I think overall this feature is quite well made - including, yes, the sound design, lighting, and cinematography; some cues aside, I rather enjoy Jimmy Lagnefors' score as it lends to the disquiet.
Just as importantly - as with his direction, there's a strength in Sestero's screenplay that in my mind far exceeds the assumptions we might have formed of him in the past two decades. The scene writing is especially vivid and detailed, more than enough to keep one's attention as the plot develops. Some story beats are perhaps a little too on the nose, certainly including the ending, but by and large I must say I'm kind of impressed. The tale is complete, coherent, and cohesive, not to mention compelling. There may not be any new ground broken as a horror-thriller, yet is well-written all around; I detect no apparent faults.
And so it is for the picture as a whole, really. The most concrete criticism I have to impart is a mild deficiency of polish; while noticeable, it's never so severe as to substantially detract from the viewing experience. The end result of all the effort is a genre film that's rather solidly made, and thoroughly enjoyable, to the point that the name behind the production scarcely even enters into the equation. What I think this really goes to show is how capable Sestero really is; if 'Miracle Valley' is any indication of where he is as a filmmaker, I can honestly say I'm looking forward to what he might do next. And if that's not praise, then I don't know what is.
There's an uncomfortable tension carving through 'Miracle Valley' as oddities and conflicts pile up of one form or another. There's also a certain lack of subtlety dancing around the edges, such as in the dialogue, sound design, and music cues, and arguably in the lighting and cinematography. Something feels Off about the film from the very start, and it's hard to get a grasp on whether it's an intentional unease about the course of events leading into the major turn, or an inelegance and indelicacy in how the picture is put together. It's not wrong to say that this is a little bit of a mixed bag, so maybe it's some Column A, and some Column B. For while this would benefit from being tightened in its writing and direction, as the narrative ramps up it carries a dark atmosphere adjoining its violence that's quietly enticing. When all is said and done, you know what? This is pretty fun!
While all aspects of the presentation would benefit from a tad more finesse in Sestero's direction - not least of all the acting - I nonetheless recognize a fairly firm command of the medium that he's obviously developed in the past 18 years or so. Independent movies exist on a wide spectrum of quality, and to me 'Miracle Valley' comes off as being in the upper middle of that range: imperfect, but sincere and hard-working after all, and satisfying. The production design and art direction are fairly strong, and while the special effects aren't the absolute best, they're quite suitable. More readily commendable are practical effects including blood, and any special makeup that's employed. Despite rough edges, I think overall this feature is quite well made - including, yes, the sound design, lighting, and cinematography; some cues aside, I rather enjoy Jimmy Lagnefors' score as it lends to the disquiet.
Just as importantly - as with his direction, there's a strength in Sestero's screenplay that in my mind far exceeds the assumptions we might have formed of him in the past two decades. The scene writing is especially vivid and detailed, more than enough to keep one's attention as the plot develops. Some story beats are perhaps a little too on the nose, certainly including the ending, but by and large I must say I'm kind of impressed. The tale is complete, coherent, and cohesive, not to mention compelling. There may not be any new ground broken as a horror-thriller, yet is well-written all around; I detect no apparent faults.
And so it is for the picture as a whole, really. The most concrete criticism I have to impart is a mild deficiency of polish; while noticeable, it's never so severe as to substantially detract from the viewing experience. The end result of all the effort is a genre film that's rather solidly made, and thoroughly enjoyable, to the point that the name behind the production scarcely even enters into the equation. What I think this really goes to show is how capable Sestero really is; if 'Miracle Valley' is any indication of where he is as a filmmaker, I can honestly say I'm looking forward to what he might do next. And if that's not praise, then I don't know what is.
FFO Grindhouse and Bruce Campbell
Cory_Feloni22 May 2022
Culty, ridiculous, funny and entertaining. It follows a couple who plan a vacation in an Arizonian desert. They are magically joined by another couple who give more of a back story to the two main characters. The couple are then stalked and seduced by a blood cult., while searching for a mysterious silver hawk. The trouble starts after they come in contact with the leader of the cult, where infidelity, death and disease ensue.
I.
I.
Great indie horror that should be seen with friends!
bhargis-4562224 January 2022
Greg Sestero brings us his directorial debut with Miracle Valley. This time around the man we all know from The Room jumps into the indie horror world and nails it! As a fan of horror this film hit all the right buttons. I love the set up of the story with a group of friends deep in Arizona which leads to a wild 3rd act that will have you wanting more! See this film with a group of friends if you can.
Watch it with a group!
crouching_tiger223 January 2022
Had so much fun with this movie! You may be watching it coming off the Room/Tommy W. Buzz, and if so that's great. But, you will be so surprised at what your getting. Greg S and Angie M bring such a fun delivery and Louisa surprised us all with her character twist. We watched it with friends and it was so much fun to experience the unexpected kills and the crowd laughing thrills!
My Brain...It Burns!
rreid-2503828 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As a murder mystery fan myself, Miracle Valley well exceeded my expectations. I was instantly drawn in the first scene when Erika (Louisa Torres) is taken from a creepy town with classic cars parked along the street. Definitely a 70's to 80's vibe mystery thriller. Torres character takes a huge turn toward the ending that I did not see coming.
I love that Greg is bringing back to light the turmoil that hit Miracle Valley in the early 80's. When a cult from Chicago went to Miracle Valley to take over the town. Causing chaos in a town that was once a typical small town with families living typical normal life until the cult came through leaving lives changed forever.
In Greg's Miracle Valley, the cult is obsessed with blood. Specifically, three rare ancient blood types and finding the individuals that carry it. The "ancient three" are believed to be able to survive and heal anything. Demonstrated in a scene with Father Jake (Rick Edwards) and Sarah (Angela Mariano) where he uses her blood to heal a cut on his hand.
Greg checks all the boxes with Miracle Valley. With relationship problems, infidelity, mystery, murder, and gore. I enjoyed Miracle Valley so much as I said, it burned my brain. So far I have watched it 15 times as of now 3 times on my Blu-ray that I bought from a live showing in August 2022 and 12 times on Tubi the day it started streaming.
I even downloaded the song Death by Jimmy Aake Lagnefors on ITunes as I began to like the song with how many times I have watched Miracle Valley. I find a lot of rare songs in movies that I have never heard and Greg introduced me to a new tune.
I'm a true fan of Greg Sestero, I love everything he has done starting with his book, The Disaster Artist.
I really enjoyed Greg narrating his book on audible, it got me through my 2 hour commute to work and home each day. I laughed so hard and even teared up at certain parts of the audiobook.
I think Greg Sestero is amazingly talented and I hope he has more coming for us in the future!
I love that Greg is bringing back to light the turmoil that hit Miracle Valley in the early 80's. When a cult from Chicago went to Miracle Valley to take over the town. Causing chaos in a town that was once a typical small town with families living typical normal life until the cult came through leaving lives changed forever.
In Greg's Miracle Valley, the cult is obsessed with blood. Specifically, three rare ancient blood types and finding the individuals that carry it. The "ancient three" are believed to be able to survive and heal anything. Demonstrated in a scene with Father Jake (Rick Edwards) and Sarah (Angela Mariano) where he uses her blood to heal a cut on his hand.
Greg checks all the boxes with Miracle Valley. With relationship problems, infidelity, mystery, murder, and gore. I enjoyed Miracle Valley so much as I said, it burned my brain. So far I have watched it 15 times as of now 3 times on my Blu-ray that I bought from a live showing in August 2022 and 12 times on Tubi the day it started streaming.
I even downloaded the song Death by Jimmy Aake Lagnefors on ITunes as I began to like the song with how many times I have watched Miracle Valley. I find a lot of rare songs in movies that I have never heard and Greg introduced me to a new tune.
I'm a true fan of Greg Sestero, I love everything he has done starting with his book, The Disaster Artist.
I really enjoyed Greg narrating his book on audible, it got me through my 2 hour commute to work and home each day. I laughed so hard and even teared up at certain parts of the audiobook.
I think Greg Sestero is amazingly talented and I hope he has more coming for us in the future!
Go in expecting throwback (70s/80s) horror
MartinPierron28 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I went in know bits and pieces of what to expect. It starts with beautiful cinematography, and opens on a couple on a road trip to a off the grid property in Arizona.
As the story gets moving we meet some interesting friends, and some they are denizens of this desert town, that foist themselves upon thr couple and friends...which they all accept these new folks at first with a slight discerning glance/attitude.
Some wine drinking leads to things unfolding as we find these new friends are a part of a cult and some of our normal friends might have some "sacred" blood type this cult is after.
Go in and expect mystery thriller and outright throwback to 70's 80's horror...yet this is present day. There is gore.
Greg is setting out to make his own and explore many genres. Much like Kubrick he wants to immerse himself into projects and create projects that don't stick to one genre.
If you liked Best F(r)iends and like horror this is a film worth checking out. There is a little haminess in acting but that is a style choice, and definitely works for the horror genre and throw back style. Tho shot on Alexa or similar HD cameras much of the film has a celluloid look at feel. (Save for the aerial shots and digital cam footage...Sestero's character is a photographer and his camera plays a part of the story. Don't worry it's used sparingly and not a lost footage type of film)
As the story gets moving we meet some interesting friends, and some they are denizens of this desert town, that foist themselves upon thr couple and friends...which they all accept these new folks at first with a slight discerning glance/attitude.
Some wine drinking leads to things unfolding as we find these new friends are a part of a cult and some of our normal friends might have some "sacred" blood type this cult is after.
Go in and expect mystery thriller and outright throwback to 70's 80's horror...yet this is present day. There is gore.
Greg is setting out to make his own and explore many genres. Much like Kubrick he wants to immerse himself into projects and create projects that don't stick to one genre.
If you liked Best F(r)iends and like horror this is a film worth checking out. There is a little haminess in acting but that is a style choice, and definitely works for the horror genre and throw back style. Tho shot on Alexa or similar HD cameras much of the film has a celluloid look at feel. (Save for the aerial shots and digital cam footage...Sestero's character is a photographer and his camera plays a part of the story. Don't worry it's used sparingly and not a lost footage type of film)
I Watched It Alone. Great Mystery Thriller!
rockinrhonda-602471 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Greg Sestero's Miracle Valley is an astonishing mind blowing movie. I can't get into any crime mystery YouTube videos or any other movies lately. Everything seems so bland and I'm just not drawn in because I'm still so intrigued by Miracle Valley. I have even had to take a tv break and been listening to music but I at least watch Miracle Valley one night a week.
I am fascinated by the mystery thriller of Miracle Valley with its old school horror movie vibe that keeps me drawn in and when it's over, I'm left wanting more. I even downloaded the movie soundtrack on iTunes.
I also became interested in the actual town and done a little research looking over photographs and reading articles and found some very interesting facts about what really happened to the people that lived in Miracle Valley. This intrigued me even more!
I think all the actors did a good job in their roles especially Louisa Torres's character as Erika. Her character takes an unexpected turn that I did not see coming. I think she did amazing in her role. Rick Edwards gives a convincing performance as Father Jake, his character really comes to life toward the end.
Greg Sestero, as David, plays the role of a rare bird photographer and you see the passion for his character come through the screen.
Sestero gives a strong performance in the action scenes that is powerful and heart pounding has he tries to survive and rescue his girlfriend, Sarah (Mariano) from Father Jake (Edwards). The fight between David and Father Jake was compelling and had me at the edge of my seat.
The ending does leave me with questions and thinking maybe a sequel to come?
Overall, Miracle Valley is a very entertaining and will keep you drawn in with its mystery, horror, and gore, sprinkled some comedic moments.
I appreciate the work Greg Sestero put into writing this movie and I think he is really talented.
I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future!
I am fascinated by the mystery thriller of Miracle Valley with its old school horror movie vibe that keeps me drawn in and when it's over, I'm left wanting more. I even downloaded the movie soundtrack on iTunes.
I also became interested in the actual town and done a little research looking over photographs and reading articles and found some very interesting facts about what really happened to the people that lived in Miracle Valley. This intrigued me even more!
I think all the actors did a good job in their roles especially Louisa Torres's character as Erika. Her character takes an unexpected turn that I did not see coming. I think she did amazing in her role. Rick Edwards gives a convincing performance as Father Jake, his character really comes to life toward the end.
Greg Sestero, as David, plays the role of a rare bird photographer and you see the passion for his character come through the screen.
Sestero gives a strong performance in the action scenes that is powerful and heart pounding has he tries to survive and rescue his girlfriend, Sarah (Mariano) from Father Jake (Edwards). The fight between David and Father Jake was compelling and had me at the edge of my seat.
The ending does leave me with questions and thinking maybe a sequel to come?
Overall, Miracle Valley is a very entertaining and will keep you drawn in with its mystery, horror, and gore, sprinkled some comedic moments.
I appreciate the work Greg Sestero put into writing this movie and I think he is really talented.
I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future!
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