Bird Box Barcelona is the latest dystopian sci-fi thriller directed by Susanne Bier, serving as a sequel to her previous hit Bird Box. While the original film brought chills with its depiction of mysterious creatures that cause people to go insane if looked upon, this follow-up lacks the same thrilling intensity.
The story follows Malorie (Sandra Bullock) five years after the first film’s events. She lives in darkness with her two children, only venturing outside while blindfolded. When a message offering a haven in Barcelona reaches her, Malorie risks the journey. But the threat is far from over, as more mysterious creatures emerge, putting Malorie and her children’s lives at risk again.
While the premise delivers high stakes, the execution needs to be improved. The tension feels repetitive as Malorie again confronts an unseen enemy. Bullock’s committed performance remains a strength, portraying a protective mother-driven by survival. The young actors playing her children also deliver strong turns, especially as their characters face more peril.
However, the new setting of Barcelona only adds a little beyond a change of scenery. The creatures, while creepy in concept, lose shock value on repeat. The ending also ends abruptly, lacking a satisfying payoff after slowly building suspense.
Overall, Bird Box Barcelona relies too heavily on replicating the first film without bringing enough fresh thrills. For fans of the original, it’s a passable but forgettable sequel. For those new to the Bird Box world, it’s a mediocre sci-fi journey not worth taking blindfolded.
Credits:
Bird Box Barcelona (2023)
Cast:
Sandra Bullock as Malorie
Vivien Lyra Blair as Girl
Julian Edwards as Boy
Mario Casas as Tomás
Georgina Campbell as Olympia
Diego Calva as Jorge
Naila Schuberth as Eva
Directed by: Alex Pastor, David Pastor
Screenplay by: Alex Pastor, David Pastor (based on the novel Bird Box by Josh Malerman)
Produced by: Dylan Clark, Chris Morgan, Adrián Guerra, Núria Valls
Executive Producers: Ainsley Davies, Brian Williams, Josh Malerman, Ryan Lewis, Susanne Bier
Director of Photography: Daniel Aranyó
Production Designer: Laia Colet
Costume Designer: Alberto Valcárcel
Music by: Zeltia Montes
Edited by: Martí Roca
Visual Effects Supervisors: Carlos Zaera, Martin Hall
Special Effects Supervisor: Pao Costa
A Netflix Original Film
Chris Morgan Productions, Dylan Clark Productions, Nostromo Pictures
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
