Under Spanish Skies

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.

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.

Writer and director Nathan Buck takes us an a journey to the sunny south of Spain where events unfold that test the characters and force them to both confront their inner demons and reflect on their darkest hours. The tone is somber and quiet but the conflicts that are dealt with here aren't.

The beautiful landscape is photographed extremely well and counterbalances the tense situation between the protagonists.

This is a cut-to-the-bones drama that focuses on the characters and, thankfully, it has the actors to pull that difficult task of. Especially Philippe Brenninkmeyer, a well-known face to European TV-audiences, manages to convey the subtleties of the script in an admirable fashion.

If you're tired of loud Superhero movies and long to watch a story about our shared humanity, this is the place to go.

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.