En las estrellas

Fantasy and reality blend in this creative and poignant look at fatherhood, grief, and filmmaking.

Up Among the Stars is a great love letter to early cinema. With old-school, practical effects reminiscent of Georges Méliès and imagery that evokes a childlike sense of wonder, there's a delightfully quaint spirit to this movie-within-a-movie.

But it's true heart lies with Victor, a struggling father constantly chasing his past, and his young son, Ingmar, who bond through film and the art of escapism - both trying to protect the other from hard truths.

Strong writing and performances make these characters and their story feel likeable, genuine, and warm. It's engaging, well-paced, and while sad themes are explored, it ultimately left me feeling hopeful.

With less than five-hundred ratings, this touching Spanish drama is a great addition to the world of magical realism, and undoubtedly deserves much more attention.