Under Spanish Skies

Nathan Buck's masterfully shot "Under Spanish Skies" is rife with beautiful images of the Spanish landscape. The story reminds me of Hemingway's "Hill Like White Elephants." Similar to Hemingway's Iceberg theory to writing, Nathan relies on subtext to drive the story, allowing the audience to take a more active role in the interpretation of the story. The acting is phenomenal, with powerful performances by Amr Waked, Philippe Brenninkmeyer, Nahéma Ricci, Tara Lynn Orr, and Tullan Holmqvist. The story is haunting and beautiful - a thematic study of loss, love, and human emotion. I highly recommend this film!

It's no coincidence that Shakespeare is heavily referenced within the story of this film. If only the characters could recognize how their own lives echo stories by the classic playwright.

In the wake of her husband's untimely passing, Leah has invited her closest friends to their villa under the guise of mourning him. In truth she has a secret to reveal which will send all of their relationships into a tailspin. But Leah's secret is only the beginning, and there is more to unfold as we learn their shared past is not all that it appears to be.

The intersecting the lives of a small cast collide here in unexpected ways against the backdrop of the Spanish countryside. Wonderful cinematography, talented cast, and an understated score push this film forward every step of the way.

Good looking movie. It's a gem. The visuals are stunning, the storytelling is succinct yet impactful, and the characters and plot keep you hooked until the very end. Though not all performances are on par, the actors embody their roles seamlessly, and their gripping drama leaves you wanting more. Buck's efficient storytelling is commendable, never once letting the pace drag. As a viewer, you'll be invested in the melancholy souls whose lives intertwine on screen, eager to see how their stories unfold. Creating an independent film is a daunting feat, but kudos to Buck and his crew for making it appear effortless. And as a bonus, it's a feast for the eyes.

Great example of good story telling with limited budget. A group of characters are forced to confront their fears and each others. In the background, a beautiful Spanish villa. Writer/director Nathan Buck does a great job in writing complex characters and directing skilled actors.

It's a drama about life and death who takes you on a journey with the characters as they discover secrets and truths about themselves and their friends. Like in The Big Chill, there's an absent character whose presence though is very strong.

The plot is original and universal at the same time. Everyone could related to those fears and conflicts.

Strongly recommended.

Nathan Buck's independent film "Under Spanish Skies" has a great deal going for it. The cinematography is excellent, the story concisely yet effectively told, and the plot and characters keep you engaged throughout. While not all performances are necessarily equal, the actors fit their roles well, and you do find yourself engrossed in their drama and wanting to know how it will all play out. The economy with which writer-director Buck tells his story is also commendable; at no point does it drag. As a viewer, you are invested in the sad souls whose intertwining stories are being told here, and you want to see how these stories will come to conclusion. Making an independent film is a murderously hard task, so major kudos to Buck and his team for making it look essentially effortless. And it's beautiful to look at, into the bargain.