The Dead Land (2024), directed by Lance Larson, dives into the complex and haunting realm of the supernatural, where the U.S.-Mexico border serves as a literal and metaphorical line between life and death. This atmospheric thriller centers on Angel, a Border Patrol agent whose commitment to his duty is tested by his empathy for the migrants he encounters, particularly when one reappears after seemingly dying. Angel’s personal struggle intensifies as he begins to experience strange encounters, including a spectral stranger arriving at his home and a figure who may be tied to his own past, prompting a deep look into identity and loyalty
he film explores the dualities faced by border agents with complex cultural ties. Angel, portrayed by Roberto Urbina, embodies this tension as he tries to balance his duty with compassion, seeing his own family’s journey in the migrants’ struggles. The film cleverly uses horror elements to underscore its social themes, creating a psychological tension that asks viewers to contemplate both personal and societal conflicts. The storyline also incorporates subtle Hitchcockian suspense, especially through characters like Hitchcock and Salomé, Angel’s colleagues, whose actions further add to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Backed by a modest budget, The Dead Land showcases skilled storytelling through intimate, character-driven scenes and visual symbolism that enhance its supernatural horror. The border landscapes and mystical undertones lend a unique flavor to the narrative, tackling the deeply personal and universal human costs of the border crisis in ways that feel authentic and haunting
