The much-anticipated sequel to the apocalyptic horror sci-fi hit "Bird Box" has arrived, but "Bird Box Barcelona" falls short of its predecessor's success. Set in Spain, the film follows Sebastián (Mario Casas) and his daughter Anna (Alejandra Howard) as they navigate a world plagued by creatures that drive people to suicide when looked upon. Directed by David Pastor and Àlex Pastor, this lackluster sequel attempts to recreate the tension and intrigue of the original but ultimately falls flat.
The film opens with a promising setup, as Sebastián and Anna are attacked by a group of blind goons, foreshadowing the challenges they will face. They encounter a group of survivors who offer them shelter, but soon find themselves exposed to the creatures when their bus is hijacked. The narrative poses the question, "Is Sebastián the shepherd or the wolf?" and attempts to inject religious undertones into the apocalyptic tale. However, the execution lacks flair and fails to provide a compelling point or originality.
"Bird Box Barcelona" draws inspiration from a small element introduced in the first film, where some individuals can look at the creatures without succumbing to self-harm. These people have formed a cult around the creatures, and Sebastián's past encounters with this group in Barcelona serve as a driving force for his actions. He believes the creatures are seraphs, and he is fascinated by the celestial orbs that appear when someone dies.
The film attempts to explore the theme of grief, but does so in a bland and surface-level manner. Sebastián encounters another group of survivors led by Claire (Georgina Campbell), who bears a striking resemblance to Sandra Bullock's character in the first film. However, the characters in this group are underdeveloped, and their grief is only touched upon superficially. The script fails to delve into their religious beliefs or explore their feelings towards God in the wake of the apocalypse. As a result, it becomes challenging to truly care about their fates.
Furthermore, the mystery and intrigue that made the concept of the creatures compelling in the original film are sorely lacking in "Bird Box Barcelona." The primary goal of the survivors is to reach Montjuic Castle via gondolas, where rumors suggest other survivors are hiding, potentially including Sofia's (Naila Schuberth) mother. While the film is competently edited and visually appealing, it lacks the shocks and tension that made the first film gripping.
The internal conflict faced by Sebastián as he grapples with his faith also fails to generate dramatic tension. The horror aspect of the film lacks bite, and even the climactic confrontation with the leader of the doomsday cult feels underwhelming and underdeveloped.
Overall, "Bird Box Barcelona" is a competently made film with a decent production quality. However, it fails to match the dynamism of its predecessor, lacking engaging characters and tightly woven storytelling. The film leaves audiences questioning what another sequel could bring to the table that this installment clearly couldn't. In the end, "Bird Box Barcelona" disappoints, showing little to make audiences believe in its vision.
Bird box barcelona (2023) - info
- Release date: July 14, 2023
- Genre: Horor, Mystery, Sci-fi
- Directors: David Pastor, Àlex Pastor
- Writers: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor
- Stars: Mario Casas, Georgina Campbell, Diego Calva