Why you shouldn't mess with locals in Moon Over Morocco

You should probably watch this if you are into those early 1930s movies where everything feels dusty, grainy, and a little bit dangerous. It’s perfect for a rainy Tuesday when you want to feel like you’re traveling without actually leaving your couch.

If you hate movies where people spend a lot of time staring at things or talking in shadows, you will likely find this boring. It is definitely not an action flick.

The whole thing starts with these five guys on holiday in Morocco. They seem like the kind of tourists who think they own the place, which is never a good sign in a movie like this.

One of the men, who thinks he's being bold or funny, rips the veil off a Muslim girl in the street. It’s a really uncomfortable moment that makes you instantly dislike him.

Then this sorcerer appears out of nowhere. He’s got this look that could melt iron and he tells them they’re all going to die before the full moon.

It’s a simple setup, but it works because the atmosphere is so heavy. The Moroccan streets look like a maze you could never find your way out of.

I really liked the way the camera moves through the markets. It feels crowded and noisy even though it’s an old film with somewhat clunky sound.

Harry Baur is in this, and honestly, he’s the best part. He has this heavy, sad face that just makes every scene feel more important than it probably is.

The other guys are... fine, I guess. I actually had a hard time telling two of them apart because they have the same mustache and wear the same hats.

There is a scene where they are sitting around waiting for the curse to kick in. The silence goes on for a long time and you can see the sweat on their faces.

It’s not as fast-paced as something like Strike, but it has its own kind of slow-burn energy. You just keep waiting for the moon to change.

The way the curse starts to play out feels a bit like a nightmare. It’s not flashy, just weird things happening that shouldn't be happening.

I noticed the the music gets really loud at points where nothing is actually happening. It’s a bit distracting, like the movie is trying to scare you when it doesn't need to.

One of the deaths is handled in a way that’s almost too quick. You might blink and miss it if you aren't paying close attention to the background.

The movie gets a little messy near the end. It feels like they had a great idea for the start but weren't entirely sure how to wrap it all up neatly.

Still, there's a real sense of dread that stays with you. It reminded me a bit of the mood in Bad Sister, even though the stories have nothing in common.

It's just that feeling of watching someone's life slowly fall apart. 🌙

The sets are actually quite impressive for 1931. You can almost smell the spices and the heat coming off the screen.

I wish the ending had a bit more punch to it. It sort of just... happens.

But if you want a spooky old thriller that isn't about ghosts or monsters, this is a cool find. Just don't expect a happy ending for everyone involved.