Miracle Valley (2021) Review

Closing the Frightfest Halloween event last year we had Miracle Valley from Greg Sestero. Given Sestero’s infamy due to his role in cult film, ‘The Room’, Miracle Valley seems to have been met with apprehension from a lot of the audience. Having somehow evaded what is commonly described as ‘the worst film ever’, I went in to Miracle Valley with no preconceived notions and a (possibly naively) open mind.

Photographer Dave (Sestero) and his girlfriend Sarah (Angela Mariano) take a trip to the desert in search of a rare bird. Believing a photograph of the bird will bring him the fame and fortune he desires, it is clear his ailing relationship isn’t a prime concern for Dave and the journey is fraught with unresolved tension.

After an altercation with a motorbike on the road, the couple arrive at the remote cabin and Sarah soon finds the trip will not be the romantic getaway she envisaged as unbeknownst to her, Dave has invited some friends to join them.

The trip starts off with a bang as the angry motorcyclist has pursued them to demand an apology. Whilst it initially seems their getaway will begin with violence, the biker softens at Sarah’s presence. Frustrated by the cracks in the failing relationship, Sarah finds herself enticed by charming local ‘Father Jake’ (Rick Edwards), who invites her to an exclusive seminar.

With Dave’s despondence evident, you can see the appeal for Sarah who is drawn to the enigmatic group that warmly welcome her into the fold. Finding a hospitable atmosphere where she can candidly share her past trauma, Sarah is eager to spend time with the charismatic leader much to Dave’s chagrin – though he quickly perks up when Father Jake discloses he has seen the elusive bird he seeks.

To the audience, it plays out at ‘introduction to cults 101’ – with the seminar drawing parallels to the movie screenings of Scientology and the slightly manic female followers evoking the unnerving nature of the Manson girls.

On paper, Miracle Valley has a lot going for it. The premise is intriguing and has links to reality that could give it a sense of authenticity, yet the feature feels a little lost. There are moments of comedy that work well but it feels as though the film would benefit from leaning into this aspect more.

Instead, it feels like it takes itself too seriously at points which doesn’t particularly gel with the over the top sequence of events and exaggerated characters. There are also a few moments that feel rather questionable, with a scene of anti-abortion dialogue feeling both out of place and uncomfortable.

It seems as though Sestero’s intention may have been to capitalise on the draw of the cult nature of ‘The Room’, but Miracle Valley isn’t strong enough to be cited as an objectively good film nor quite so terrible to achieve ‘so bad it’s good’ status. The result is a distinctly average film that has some good moments but sadly doesn’t quite achieve its objective.

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