Under Spanish Skies

It's no coincidence that Shakespeare is heavily referenced within the story of this film. If only the characters could recognize how their own lives echo stories by the classic playwright.

In the wake of her husband's untimely passing, Leah has invited her closest friends to their villa under the guise of mourning him. In truth she has a secret to reveal which will send all of their relationships into a tailspin. But Leah's secret is only the beginning, and there is more to unfold as we learn their shared past is not all that it appears to be.

The intersecting the lives of a small cast collide here in unexpected ways against the backdrop of the Spanish countryside. Wonderful cinematography, talented cast, and an understated score push this film forward every step of the way.

Good looking movie. It's a gem. The visuals are stunning, the storytelling is succinct yet impactful, and the characters and plot keep you hooked until the very end. Though not all performances are on par, the actors embody their roles seamlessly, and their gripping drama leaves you wanting more. Buck's efficient storytelling is commendable, never once letting the pace drag. As a viewer, you'll be invested in the melancholy souls whose lives intertwine on screen, eager to see how their stories unfold. Creating an independent film is a daunting feat, but kudos to Buck and his crew for making it appear effortless. And as a bonus, it's a feast for the eyes.

A refreshingly mature independent film from writer/director Nathan Buck with a very French vibe, recalling some of Alain Resnais' twisted yet sophisticated relationship films that I liked very much. Never once did I feel I had landed in some low budget first-time director effort. In fact, the perfectly focused cast can hold their own against many a big budget - big name production. Beautifully captured Spain locations together with smart and probing dialogue make it easy to loose yourself in this revealing adult-driven coming-of-age film. Well-deserved awards and nominations with more to come I am sure.

"Under Spanish Skies" has an irreproachable cast, a well-developed and captivating script and music that perfectly matches each scene. The story is about the long-lasting friendship of two couples that turns out to be full of unspoken words, lies and complex feelings. After the death of one of them, they question their relationship against a backdrop of a Shakespearean drama, making us think about our friendship's values and how we would manage to deal with the loss of a loved one. This incredible indie movie is a truly beautiful film full of tenderness, emotions and unexpected twists, all set in a beautiful landscape that would rather aspire to a peaceful weekend than to a delicate but necessary introspection. This film is definitely worth watching and I wish it the huge success it deserves.

Nathan Buck's independent film "Under Spanish Skies" has a great deal going for it. The cinematography is excellent, the story concisely yet effectively told, and the plot and characters keep you engaged throughout. While not all performances are necessarily equal, the actors fit their roles well, and you do find yourself engrossed in their drama and wanting to know how it will all play out. The economy with which writer-director Buck tells his story is also commendable; at no point does it drag. As a viewer, you are invested in the sad souls whose intertwining stories are being told here, and you want to see how these stories will come to conclusion. Making an independent film is a murderously hard task, so major kudos to Buck and his team for making it look essentially effortless. And it's beautiful to look at, into the bargain.