Alcarràs (2022)

Carla Simón’s Alcarràs is a poignant and realistic portrayal of a family of peach farmers in Catalonia whose future is threatened when the owner of their land decides to sell it. The film explores the family’s struggle to keep their farm and way of life as they confront the harsh realities of industrial development and society’s changing values.

The film’s strength lies in its naturalistic and documentary-like approach, which captures the rustic beauty of the farmland setting and the daily struggles of the family with rare realism. The cinematography by Daniela Cajías is particularly noteworthy, as it imbues the film with a golden, leafy warmth that contrasts with the uncertainty and tension of the family’s situation.

The ensemble cast of non-professional actors delivers realistic and heartfelt performances, especially the children, teenagers, and elders. However, the script is predictable and lacks the narrative drive of Simón’s previous film, Summer 1993. The film’s pacing is too slow and meandering, which may make it a harder sell for mainstream audiences and, for me, reduced the potential potency this story could have had.

Despite its pacing, Alcarràs is a moving film that resonates long after the credits roll. The film’s themes of family, tradition, and the struggle for survival are universal and relatable, and the film encourages us to reflect on our own values and priorities. Alcarràs subtly ingrains itself into the memories of the youth, ensuring that this moment will be remembered for years to come.

Alcarràs is a bittersweet tale of a family’s struggle to keep their farm, which is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It will particularly suit anyone who appreciates realistic and humanistic cinema.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)