In the gripping thriller film “Horror in the High Desert,” the dramatic and unsettling conclusion of Gary Hinge’s amateur hiking exploits leaves audiences both intrigued and baffled. The film’s chilling narrative, heightened by its found footage style, has led some viewers to mistakenly believe in the real-life existence of Gary Hinge. Director Dutch Marich, in his conversation with Dread Central, emphasized his intent to make Gary a relatable and multi-dimensional character, saying, “The mockumentary approach lends itself to total realism… leaving some questions unanswered… bolsters the realism. Gary is not just a macguffin but a fleshed-out character.”
Echoes of a Real-Life Disappearance
Although the creators of “Horror in the High Desert” haven’t explicitly stated that the film draws from real-life events, parallels are easily drawn between Gary Hinge’s fictional story and the actual disappearance of Kenny Veach in 2014.
Like the character of Gary, Kenny Veach, known online as snake bitmgee, disappeared following his investigation into a bizarre phenomenon in Nevada’s desert. Veach had described an eerie encounter with a cave shaped like a perfect ‘M,’ saying, “My whole body began to vibrate as I got closer to the cave… I became very scared and high-tailed it out of there.” Despite his efforts, Veach never located this ‘M’ cave again, and his fans urged him to return to the desert. Tragically, he did not return from his subsequent expedition.
Veach, an experienced hiker, had assured his online audience of his safety. In his last video, he appeared beside an abandoned mine shaft. His phone was later discovered near this location on November 22, 2014, marking the last significant clue in the search for him.
Conspiracy Theories and Tragic Revelations
The mysterious circumstances of Veach’s disappearance ignited a flurry of conspiracy theories, ranging from alien abductions to government involvement. Later, an internet user claiming to be Veach’s girlfriend suggested a more somber theory, believing that Veach had taken his own life. She cited his long battle with depression and reluctance to seek professional help. According to her, Veach intentionally left his phone behind and didn’t bring his video camera on his final hike, indicating his intention to not return. In the last video he posted
Comparing Gary Hinge and Kenny Veach
While there are notable differences between the fictional story of Gary Hinge and the real-life saga of Kenny Veach, it’s the similarities that capture our attention. Both narratives, whether real or reel, weave tales of mystery, intrigue, and the unfathomable depth of the human psyche.
This exploration of Gary Hinge’s story in “Horror in the High Desert” and its resemblance to Kenny Veach’s disappearance not only amplifies the intrigue surrounding the film but also sheds light on the power of storytelling in blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
