Director/co-writer Karlos Alastruey’s Between Earth and Water (Entre el agua y la tierra) is an experimental film that invites viewers to drift through an ethereal journey of self-discovery. With minimalistic storytelling and a focus on atmosphere, it abandons conventional narrative structure in favour of mood, metaphor, and emotional resonance.
The film begins with two friends, Lur (Irantzu Zugarrondo) and Ura (Izar Algueró), who attend an artists’ party. The next day, they awaken in a vast desert, disconnected from everything they knew. As they attempt to make sense of their surroundings, the desert becomes a metaphor for inner transformation, reflecting their evolving relationship and sense of identity.
The beauty of Between Earth and Water lies in its ambiguity. It offers no clear answers to its mysteries, instead focusing on the emotional and existential journey of its characters. Lur and Ura’s friendship is fraught with tension, alternating between intimacy and distance, which propels the film’s emotional core. Zugarrondo and Algueró give nuanced performances, grounding the film in a palpable sense of vulnerability and introspection.
Fernando Ustarroz as Rafael adds an air of intrigue, while Rosa Nagore’s portrayal of Ura’s mother, though brief, is impactful. Javier Baigorri’s Bettancourt and Leire López del Pueyo’s Leire further deepen the sense of surrealism, each playing a part in the characters’ metaphorical voyage. Gorka Zubeldia’s Eguzki also contributes a sense of uncertainty to the unfolding events.
“…they awaken in a vast desert, disconnected from everything they knew.”
Visually, Between Earth and Water is minimalist but striking. The desert, barren and infinite, serves as both a literal and symbolic void. The cinematography leans on natural light and long takes, allowing the space to breathe, which heightens the dreamlike quality of the film. Every gust of wind and distant silhouette feels poignant, drawing the viewer into a meditative space.
Sergio Lasuén’s haunting score complements the visuals, blending ambient sounds with spiritual undertones. The music, never overwhelming, lingers in the background, guiding us through the silence of the desert. A standout track from Maialen Gurbindo (Chica Sobresalto) brings emotional clarity in an otherwise ambiguous film.
However, the film is not for everyone. Its pacing is slow, and its minimal dialogue and heavy symbolism may alienate viewers who prefer more conventional storytelling. But for fans of experimental cinema, the film’s deliberate pacing and abstract nature will be a welcome challenge. What makes the film impressive is how much it accomplishes with so little. The sparse dialogue and restrained visuals give it a quiet strength. It asks its audience to reflect, not just on the characters’ journey but on their own inner landscapes.
In the end, Between Earth and Water is a film that floats, sometimes aimlessly, sometimes purposefully, but always with a deep undercurrent of meaning. It’s a meditation on friendship, transformation, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels desolate.
"…transforms ambiguity into a profound exploration of self."
