Review: Alcarras

I was surprised it was only until after the film that I found out the entire cast were non-actors.

It actually makes sense given what I saw in the end.

There is a strong 'fly on the wall' documentary vibe about it. It's like we're walking on a particular way of life and at crucial point in their history.

It may look like nothing eventful is happening. But there's a spark the characters have that transfixes you. From all generations of the on-screen family, there is plenty of options of favourites to get invested with.

It then all builds up to a poignant ending that sadly brings a bit of current climate into the story.

The performances are great right across the board given the fact that none of them are trained actors. There were no real stand-outs. It felt like the team work of the major ensemble gave us one strong stable.

There was wisdom, leadership, innocence, loyalty and playfulness all to high level of natural authenticity.

The Spanish landscape also gave us wonderful colours to enhance everything else and made it feel like a character in itself.

There was only a minor negative as there was one aspect of the story that stopped just as it was getting interesting. However, I think expanding on that would have given us a different film.

Also from a personal perspective, there were some sub-plots that I would have liked a bit more punch to them.

But overall I felt this was an absorbing drama. It had a pleasant pace to it with highly engaging characters and has a story that shows the power of family.

It doesn't show off itself with arrogance. However, it still had a lot of vibrance and energy to it in the form of its colour palette and character chemistry.

Rating: 7/10