Netflix’s Bird Box was a huge hit in December 2018, but quickly faded from memory. The sequel talks vanished when Sandra Bullock announced her temporary retirement. Bird Box: Barcelona, a spin-off, offers watchable schlock with a different twist. However, it lacks the anchor of Bullock’s presence and falls short in some areas. Expect more spin-offs in the future, but Netflix should consider closing this box. [121 words]
The first Bird Box was a sloppy spin on A Quiet Place, lacking the thrills of other genres and failing to establish its own identity. The spin-off, Bird Box: Barcelona, has a similar problem. It tries to expand the world of the original and targets the Spanish-speaking audience, but falls short in providing the expected thrills. Despite this, it has its moments and offers a different take on the story. The action shifts from California to Barcelona, with Mario Casas replacing Sandra Bullock. [98 words]
Sebastián, played by Mario Casas, is introduced after the arrival of the creatures that bring suicidal tendencies to those who look. The movie takes an intriguing turn and delves into something more troubling than mere survival. While not always well-executed, the director duo Alex and David Pastor attempt to do something different with the spin-off. The film explores how some perceive the visitors as a blessing rather than a curse, and also touches on the danger of religious fervor. However, its exploration of the trauma theme is less focused. [97 words]
Bird Box: Barcelona feels nastier and more entertaining than its predecessor, but lacks the anchor of Sandra Bullock’s presence. The visuals to announce the creatures’ presence are cheap and ineffective, with poorly done angelic effects. The film also suffers from overexplanation and a monologue about the monsters that falls flat. Despite these issues, it manages to be competently made and offers some unexpected narrative elements. More spin-offs are likely to come, but Netflix should consider closing this box. [95 words]
Overall, Bird Box: Barcelona is a flawed but watchable spin-off that offers a different perspective on the story. While it falls short in some aspects and lacks the strong presence of Sandra Bullock, it manages to deliver some entertaining moments. Netflix may continue to explore more cities and markets with spin-offs, but it would be wise for them to bring this box to a close in the near future. [53 words]
