When you think of films that needed spinoffs, Bird Box is not one that immediately comes to mind. That did not stop Netflix from greenlighting Bird Box Barcelona. Taking place in Barcelona, Spain, the film builds on what was previously established in the original film. One day, unknown creatures showed up on Earth, prompting many to take their lives upon looking at them. While these creatures are never shown, it becomes clear that the easiest route to avoid these things is to cover up the eyes.
Get BWT in your inbox!
Get BWT in your inbox!
Writer/director duo Álex Pastor and David Pastor build on this by exploring another phenomenon mentioned in the original novel and film – those who survive witnessing the creatures. In Bird Box Barcelona, we dive deep into the psyche of someone who has seen one of the creatures. How this encounter has shaped them and how it continues to motivate them when they’ve lost everything ultimately shapes the driving force of the film.
A pleasant surprise, Bird Box Barcelona can’t be written off as just a spinoff. It does enough to differentiate itself from its predecessor and keep audiences on the edge of their seat. Not convinced? Here are three reasons why you should give the film a try.
Bird Box Barcelona takes us global
For a spinoff, Netflix could have easily kept things in the United States. Instead, they made a more exciting choice. The decision to move the story to Barcelona easily makes the apocalyptic scenario carry more weight. In the original Bird Box, it was explained that the creatures started off in Europe before expanding outward.
As we’ve all unfortunately experienced, pandemics or worldwide apocalypse scenarios have a natural point of spread. With how much international crossover there is with travelers, it opens up a world of possibilities in seeing how different cultures react to this otherworldly phenomenon.
This global influence also connects to how others may perceive the creatures. In the original Bird Box, we saw how the character Gary perceived the creatures, his mind crafting some truly cosmic and dark images. With Spain’s significant Catholic influence, there’s also an opportunity for us to see how the survivors and their experiences may warp and shape the creatures when they see them. Either way, taking Bird Box Barcelona global ups the stakes for how devastating this apocalypse was.
Compelling antiheroes breathe new life
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Sebastian may be one of my favorite characters I’ve seen in film this year. On paper, the character fits the archetype of an antihero. His driving force is his love for his daughter, Anna (Alejandra Howard), and every decision he makes is made with her in mind. The character is compelling and will challenge viewers with the gray area he resides in. The characters that make you question your own beliefs and values are always exciting as a viewer.
What further complicates the matter is that Mario Casas’ portrayal is so dang likable. When we first meet Sebastian and Anna, they are roller skating around in a private place. It’s a heartwarming father-daughter moment. Fifteen minutes later, he makes choices that showcase the extremes this relationship dances around. Yet, we can understand. Casas’ performance and the writing from the Pastors prove to be a match made in heaven.
Whether or not you agree with his actions, Sebastian is a compelling character on paper. A strong, well-rounded performance from Casas makes it all better.
Steady tension fixes major issues from Bird Box
One of the more frustrating elements of Bird Box was that its choppy editing undercut a lot of the anxiety and tension found in the uncertainty the characters were feeling. The execution of the time jumps also didn’t help either.
Thankfully, the Pastors address this issue in Bird Box Barcelona. There’s a flow to the film that makes the simmering anxiety linger. There are no abrupt stops and goes. Whether in the present day or in the past, danger is always present.
Maintaining the steady tension is the decisions around certain characters and their motivations. After revealing their hand early on, the Pastors have made it so that we, the audience, are always waiting for the shoe to drop. The inevitable betrayal. We know the danger that lurks beyond the surface, and there is a morbid curiosity built-in waiting for certain characters to make their next move.
The decisions made on the creative and editing side help to remedy problems that were present in the original film. Smoothing out the flow makes for a tighter film, and will have viewers on edge from beginning to end.
There’s a lot going on in Bird Box Barcelona that makes it a stronger film than its predecessor. Going global reminds us of the widespread ramifications of this apocalypse while giving us a new perspective. Decisions made to help with the flow and tension in the film address a stark problem from the original film. But the real glue that will keep viewers watching is Sebastian. Without him, his intentions, and his drive, Bird Box Barcelona wouldn’t be as compelling to watch.
Bird Box Barcelona arrives on Netflix July 14.
