‘Bird Box Barcelona’: An Underwhelming Departure from the Original

Disappointment in “Bird Box Barcelona”: An Underwhelming Departure from the Original

The Legacy of “Bird Box”

The 2018 thriller “Bird Box” took the world by storm, thanks to the popularity of its leading lady, Sandra Bullock, and its viral meme-worthy plot. The film, adapted from a John Malerman novel, captivated audiences with its story of a post-apocalyptic world where unseen paranormal creatures spread madness and suicide to those who look directly at them. The ambiguity of the threat allowed the film to serve as a metaphor for various societal concerns. It quickly became one of Netflix’s biggest hits.

Companion Film or Sequel?

“Bird Box Barcelona,” the latest addition to the franchise, can be seen as more of a companion film than a sequel. It jumps around in time to showcase the impact of the supernatural invasion on Sebastián, a Spaniard who loses his wife and becomes determined to protect their daughter, Anna. Along the way, he meets Claire, a capable companion who questions his trustworthiness.

A Repeat of the Original

The new writer-director team of Álex and David Pastor takes some risks by introducing a somewhat unstable hero in Sebastián. However, “Bird Box Barcelona” largely follows the same formula as its predecessor. The threat remains intentionally vague, represented only by eerie sounds and levitating debris. This deliberate ambiguity allows the film to continue functioning as a flexible metaphor for any societal concern, from climate change to pandemics to fanatical ideologies.

While the Pastor brothers stage suspenseful sequences and explore the creative ways survivors navigate the challenge of keeping their eyes closed, the film’s persistent unwillingness to define the antagonist is a flaw that carries over from the original. It leaves “Bird Box Barcelona” feeling generic at times, lacking a distinct identity among the plethora of end-times stories.

“Bird Box Barcelona”: A Missed Opportunity for Evolution

The ambiguity that made the original “Bird Box” intriguing also left room for improvement. Despite the film’s success and its ability to engage audiences, it fell short in establishing a lasting impact. The lack of a defined antagonist prevented the story from reaching its full potential.

With “Bird Box Barcelona,” there was an opportunity for the filmmakers to evolve the franchise and delve deeper into the nature of the paranormal invasion. By continuing to keep the threat intentionally vague, the film fails to address the criticisms of its predecessor and falls back into the familiar tropes and formula that made the original feel generic.

The Pastor brothers could have taken the chance to explore the origins of the invasion, shed some light on the paranormal creatures, and deepen the emotional connection with the characters. However, they opted for a repeat of the same story, flaws and all.

Editorial: The Importance of Evolution in Franchise Films

“Bird Box Barcelona” serves as a reminder of the importance of evolution in franchise films. While companion films can be a way to expand upon a successful story, they should also strive to break new ground, challenge conventions, and address the limitations of their predecessors.

Audiences crave innovation and growth in franchise films. They want to see characters develop, worlds expand, and narratives push boundaries. By simply repeating the formula that made the first film a success, filmmakers risk alienating viewers who seek fresh perspectives and new experiences.

Franchises have the potential to become cultural touchstones, sparking discussions and resonating with audiences long after their release. However, to maintain relevance, they must adapt to the changing times and address the shortcomings of their predecessors.

Advice: Pushing the Boundaries of Franchise Films

To filmmakers working on companion films or sequels, it is crucial to take risks and push the boundaries of the established franchise. Embrace the opportunity for growth and explore new angles that deepen the story and characters.

Acknowledge the criticisms of previous films and use them as a foundation for improvement. Instead of relying on the same formula, challenge yourself to find fresh ways to engage with the audience. Evolve the narrative, delve into unexplored territories, and provide meaningful answers to the questions raised in earlier installments.

Franchise films have immense potential to captivate and leave a lasting impact on viewers. By taking risks and evolving the story, filmmakers can ensure that their creations stand the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.