...all of this ends up being, most of the time, mere notes that are not explored in depth. [Full review in Spanish]

With [Luis Zahera] at the center of the action, the film is reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, but it seems like the pieces surrounding him don't quite fit together to complete the puzzle. [Full review in Spanish]

This energetic and vibrant thriller from Cadiz stands out both for its formal brilliance and its careful portrayal of the change of hands in the underworld of trafficking. [Full review in Spanish]

There are a lot of possible takeaways from "Barren Land". In my opinion, this film's core message is that the most valuable things in life are friendship and love. Greed and unfulfilled ambition mean little by comparison but may exact a high price from those blinded by them. Without hopefully giving too much away, we see this play out in the interplay between three close friends, on the right and wrong side of the law and criminality. There's an honesty about their personal relationship. It's very informal, warm and open. Circumstances challenge that dynamic, but ultimately it still manages to reassert itself. All in all, I liked this film. It's a little slow at times, but this is as much a tale about people and redemption of a sort as it is one of violent crime. If you like thoughtful cinema, "Barren Land" is worth a look.