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!

Under Spanish Skies is a deeply moving film about life and death. A reclusive artist invites old friends to her farm in Spain and tells them of a suicide pact she had with her deceased husband. In the next 48 hours, to save her, the friends must reveal secrets from the past that could cause her to change her mind. In todays world of action packed super hero movies some viewers may find it's a bit of a slow but steady pace. I personally think this is not a bad thing. It's not that kind of movie. This is not a story to be rushed and there's no need to. It has a very intelligent screenplay and the cast is excellent across the board. The camera work is amazing and the exquisite Spanish landscapes and scenery are just beautiful. I highly recommend this movie.

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!

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.

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.