As a director, Buck shows real flair throughout Under Spanish Skies, even if certain scenes are a little longer than need be. For example, when Leah first discusses how the suicide pact came to be, the film shows the locales being described through silent film-esque cutaways. It is gorgeous and helps break up the muted colors of the farm. The director also wrings tension out of every scene possible while never forgetting that the drama stems from the hard decisions the characters have to make.
The cast is uniformly excellent. Orr brings a certain charm to Leah that makes it impossible to begrudge her the decision she ultimately makes. Orr’s real-life husband, Brenninkmeyer, takes a little bit to inhabit his role fully. But there’s a wonderful scene involving Gregory and Alix at the pool in which both actors plumb unexpected depths. From there on out, Brenninkmeyer owns the part and ends up stealing some later scenes.
“The cast is uniformly excellent.”
Holmqvist is captivating as the torn Beth. Her loyalties to Neil and Leah are tested at every turn, and the actor plays her character’s frustrations believably. Waked stuns from start to finish, imbuing Andrés with an eloquent grace from the jump. Ricci walks into the picture (literally) as a furious ball of energy, and she’s brilliant. The actor has a Kirsten Stewart vibe going for her, and if she harnesses that subdued but intriguing charisma properly, she’ll have a long and fruitful career.
Under Spanish Skies is not for everyone, as it does favor conversation and a slow but steady pace. But that isn’t a bad thing, as the dialogue is effective, the characters compelling, and the cast brilliant. While a scene here or there could be trimmed, that barely matters in the face of all that Buck offers to viewers here.
"…gives off strong Swimming Pool vibes."
“Under Spanish Skies” is a suspenseful and revealing film about life and death. Actors and actresses are all superb.
So well directed and written. I loved it.