Bird Box Barcelona, the Spanish-set sequel to the apocalyptic horror sci-fi flick “Bird Box,” opens with Sebastián (played by Mario Casas) and his daughter Anna (Alejandra Howard) celebrating her birthday. However, their peaceful moment is disrupted when they are attacked by a blind trio of goons. The film introduces us to a world where creatures in the air drive people to suicide if they look at them. Sebastián, a former engineer, becomes entangled with various groups as he navigates this perilous landscape.
Movie Review: “Bird Box Barcelona”
Themes and Character Development
- Religiosity and Fate: The film injects religiosity into its apocalyptic narrative, questioning whether Sebastián is the shepherd or the wolf. His belief that the creatures are seraphs adds an intriguing layer to the story.
- Grief and Vulnerability: The characters, including British-Spaniard Claire (Georgina Campbell) and lost German girl Octavia (Diego Calva), grapple with grief and vulnerability. The creatures whisper in their ears, echoing the voices of their long-gone loved ones.
Director’s Style and Performances
- Directors David Pastor and Àlex Pastor: While intrigued by religious elements, their execution lacks flair. The film attempts to reengineer the success of the original “Bird Box” without the same originality.
- Mario Casas (Sebastián): Casas delivers a solid performance, portraying Sebastián’s internal conflict and determination.
- Georgina Campbell (Claire): Campbell’s portrayal adds depth to her character, even though the film occasionally echoes Sandra Bullock’s role from the first movie.
Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: The Spanish setting provides a fresh backdrop, but the cinematography lacks the visual impact of the original.
- Sound Design: The eerie whispers of the creatures create tension, but the film doesn’t fully capitalize on this auditory element.
- Editing: The pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others linger unnecessarily.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Intriguing Premise: The concept of people who can look at the creatures without self-harming adds complexity.
- Character Dynamics: The ragtag group dynamics offer interesting interactions.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Originality: The film tries to replicate the first movie’s success without bringing anything truly fresh.
- Surface-Level Exploration: The film skims the surface of grief and religious themes without delving deeper.
Recommendation
Bird Box Barcelona is watchable schlock that attempts to expand the universe but falls short of the original’s impact. While it lacks Sandra Bullock’s star power, it introduces a nifty twist and offers a different perspective on the creatures. If you enjoyed the first film, this sequel might pique your interest, but manage your expectations.
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Mario Casas
As Sebastián -
Georgina Campbell
As Claire -
Diego Calva
As Octavio -
Naila Schuberth
As Sofia -
Alejandra Howard
As Anna -
Patrick Criado
As Rafa -
Celia Freijeiro
As Laura
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