Under Spanish Skies

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.

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!

Writer/director Nathan Buck has crafted a finely nuanced drama that makes anvils seem light in comparison. Under Spanish Skies spotlights panoramic vistas in its excellent cinematography, and has a polished look that far surpasses many of today's indie film releases. The film has a somber script that takes a sobering look at tough adult situations, such as long-strained relationships and abruptly discovered, deeply-held secrets. The film is brought to life with really good acting throughout. Each cast member created a character that seemed to embody an unspoken backstory, lending gravitas to their performances. To be sure, this is drama with a CAPITAL D, with nary a laugh to be found. But if movie dramas are your thing, this one has that in spades and you can be completely certain that you'll get your drama fix!

A refreshingly mature independent film from writer/director Nathan Buck with a very French vibe, recalling some of Alain Resnais' twisted yet sophisticated relationship films that I liked very much. Never once did I feel I had landed in some low budget first-time director effort. In fact, the perfectly focused cast can hold their own against many a big budget - big name production. Beautifully captured Spain locations together with smart and probing dialogue make it easy to loose yourself in this revealing adult-driven coming-of-age film. Well-deserved awards and nominations with more to come I am sure.

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.