Almost five years ago, Netflix released Bird Box, a movie that quickly became one of their most popular original films. Starring Sandra Bullock, it captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline and exceptional performances. Sandra Bullock’s portrayal added depth and intensity, keeping viewers on edge. With thought-provoking themes and memorable scenes, Bird Box remains celebrated as one of Netflix’s iconic releases. Soon after, the announcement of an official sequel was followed by the unexpected announcement of a Spanish spin-off titled Bird Box Barcelona. As someone who loved the original, it took me by surprise since I never saw this one coming.
Bird Box Barcelona follows Sebastián (Mario Casas) in the wake of the apocalypse that began the events of Bird Box. In a post-apocalyptic world devastated by an unknown force, a man fights for survival in the desolate streets of Barcelona. Amidst the ruins, he forges uneasy alliances with fellow survivors, their collective goal being to escape the city. However, as they venture forward, a sinister and unforeseen danger looms, testing their resilience and resolve.
Bird Box Barcelona is slightly different than the original story, following the journey of Sebastián and his transformation into the person he is today. The movie explores the question of whether he is a good or bad guy, which keeps the audience engaged throughout. Sebastián resides in Barcelona with his wife and daughter, but when “the creatures” arrive, he loses his wife and now has to survive with his daughter. Without revealing any spoilers, the movie makes a fantastic contribution to the franchise, presenting a distinctive story that steers clear of duplicating the first film.
The movie pleasantly surprised me with its remarkable execution. It was fun, tense and action-packed, and I even jumped out of my seat a few times. The character development was the highlight of the movie, particularly Sebastián’s growth, which was captivating to watch. Claire (Georgina Campbell) and Sofia (Naila Schuberth) were also great characters, and their struggle to survive against the creatures added to the suspense. The filmography and soundtrack were both decent too. In today’s landscape, good spin-offs are a rarity, often prioritizing profit over substance.
I’m excited to see where this franchise is headed next. Will Sandra Bullock return for a sequel? Is a TV series in the works? Only time will tell, and I can’t wait to find out. I loved the original and thoroughly enjoyed this spin-off, so I’m eager to see what’s next, especially since the ending hinted at more to come.
Bird Box Barcelona is a thrilling and suspenseful addition to this promising franchise. While the pace may be slow at times, it still manages to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling and dynamic characters. The plot is solid, and it provides hints of what’s to come in future installments of the franchise. The characters are particularly noteworthy, as they are well-developed and add depth to the story. Overall, the movie is a great addition to the franchise and leaves viewers eager for more.
★★★½
Bird Box Barcelona releases on Netflix on July 14.
