Bird box Barcelona

Bird Box Barcelona takes viewers on a captivating journey through a post-apocalyptic Barcelona, serving as the sequel to the highly acclaimed 2018 film, Bird Box directed by Susanne Bier. This new film explores a parallel corner of the world, retaining some of the suspense and atmospheric qualities that made its predecessor such a success. However, while the film has its strong points, it struggles to forge its own identity, falling victim to a bloated narrative and leaving many questions unanswered.

Set in the desolate streets of Barcelona, the story follows Sebastián (Mario Casas), a survivor charged with protecting his daughter Anna (Alejandra Howard) from deadly creatures that induce suicidal tendencies at the slightest eye contact. In a manner reminiscent of A Quiet Place II, Bird Box Barcelona delves into themes of family, trust and survival in a post-apocalyptic landscape, painting a visceral portrait of a fractured society. The film boasts a talented cast, with outstanding performances from Georgina Campbell as Claire, the wary survivor, and Diego Calva as Octavio, the cerebral scientist. Mario Casas delivers an excellent performance as Sebastián, the haunted protagonist. He effectively captures the character's inner turmoil and hidden motivations, even if some of the story's twists and turns are predictable. The entire cast elevates the film, injecting tension and suspicion into their interactions, highlighting the volatile nature of human emotions in extreme circumstances.

Álex Pastor and David Pastor's direction and technical execution are commendable, with ravaged cityscapes, tense scenes and moments of gruesome violence. However, the film's greatest flaw lies in its lack of originality. It feels like a thorough reworking of the first Bird Box, with its two timelines, religious zealots and breathless escapes. Although a few plots are introduced, they are only partially explained, leaving viewers with a sense of frustration and the desire for more clarity.

Bird Box Barcelona attempts to expand the mythology and scope of the Bird Box universe, but fails to fully realize its potential. The film raises intriguing questions about the creatures and their origins, teasing the audience with tantalizing possibilities. However, it fails to provide satisfying answers, relying too heavily on setting the table for potential future entries rather than providing a satisfying, self-contained narrative. Visually, the film struggles to distinguish itself, lacking a distinct look and feel that might have enhanced its impact. Although the production design effectively conveys the desolation and decay of the world, it fails to create a truly memorable and immersive experience. What's more, the film's long running time is weighed down by repetitive flashbacks, which detract from the shock and awe intended.

The story strives to explore themes of faith, trust and the human desire to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. It raises sobering questions about the dangers of blind belief and the manipulation of fear. However, these contemplative moments are often overshadowed by a story that wanders and loses its way, preventing the film from realizing its full potential. One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its sound design. The eerie, unsettling atmosphere created by the sound effects enhances the overall experience, contributing to the film's sense of unease and tension. Bird Box Barcelona fulfills its role as a continuation of the Bird Box universe, offering glimpses into a fascinating world. However, it struggles to captivate viewers with its generic execution and convoluted narrative. While fans of the series may find some pleasure in its expansion, it is unlikely to capture the same global phenomenon as its predecessor. Despite its flaws, the film manages to deliver a gripping and thrilling horror experience, ensuring that it remains an interesting film for those invested in the Bird Box franchise.

Bird Box Barcelona has both strengths and weaknesses. It begins with promising direction and good performances, particularly from Mario Casas as Sebastián. However, as the story progresses, it loses momentum and fails to fully explore the intriguing concepts it introduces. The exploration of human dynamics and the post-apocalyptic world adds depth to the narrative, while the cinematography and music create a captivating atmosphere. Nevertheless, the film fails to fully develop its potential and provide satisfying answers. Despite these shortcomings, it remains an effective, thrilling horror film that will satisfy fans of the Bird Box franchise, though it fails to achieve the same impact and originality as its predecessor.

Bird Box Barcelona
Written and Directed by Álex Pastor, David Pastor
Based on Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Produced by Dylan Clark, Núria Valls, Adrián Guerra, Chris Morgan, Ryan Lewis, Josh Malerman
Starring Mario Casas, Naila Schuberth, Georgina Campbell, Diego Calva
Cinematography : Daniel Aranyó
Edited by Martí Roca
Music by Zeltia Montes
Production companies: Nostromo Pictures, Chris Morgan Productions, Dylan Clark Productions
Distributed by Netflix
Release date : July 14, 2023 (World)
Running time : 110 minutes

Viewed on July 9, 2023 (screener press Netflix)

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