The Stream: The premise is still ridiculous, the scares are non-existent, and Barcelona isn’t utilized to full effect.

The Big Screen: The main character has an interesting perspective.

The Final Bill: A new level in the Bird Box franchise uses its setting and main character to justify its existence.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: David Pastor, Àlex Pastor
Writers: David Pastor, Àlex Pastor
Stars: Mario Casas, Georgina Campbell, Diego Calva
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
Production Companies: Chris Morgan Productions, Dylan Clark Productions, Netflix Studios
Platform: Netflix released July 14, 2023

Welcome back, Streamers! This week in unnecessary sequels: Netflix released the sequel to the wildly popular 2018 film Bird Box called Bird Box: Barcelona. I didn’t know anyone wanted this sequel, but here we have it anyway.

As a refresher, Bird Box starred Sandra Bullock in a post-apocalyptic time when mysterious creatures cause people to commit suicide after the person has looked at them. Therefore, in order to survive, one must either remain indoors in a place without windows or blindfold themselves when they venture outdoors. Bird Box: Barcelona has two main differences. It’s set in Spain, and the main character, Sebastian (Mario Casas), has a secret darker than the blindfold he wears. Marco-Polo-like hijinks ensue.

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: Bird Box wasn’t good in the first place. Am I right? Fast forward a few years, and now we have this sequel that’s almost as equally just okay. The saving grace of this film is the switched perspective of the main character. In Bird Box, we are automatically on Sandra Bullock’s side because she’s Sandra Bullock and she’s trying to get to safety with some young kids. Here, Sebastian is more mysterious, and his motivations are not initially clear. This change is what makes Bird Box: Barcelona seem like less of just a retread and more of a level up. In fact, this movie feels like a higher level in a Bird Box videogame where new rules, new villains, and a better setting is revealed. If you remember the original, then you’ll pick up on some key differences early on.

Also, While Barcelona is a great setting for this sequel, it is not made very distinctive in this movie. It could be any old European city, which is good as they are creepy, but it’s not specific to Barcelona enough. Nevertheless, the setting is vast and the horror of the situation is depicted throughout the city as it is littered with bodies and destruction. There is action, but there are really only two chase scenes that are entertaining. Honestly, it is a ridiculous premise that you have to buy into or everything about this movie is dumb. Also, it’s not scary in anyway, which is not a good thing for a supposed horror movie or even a thriller. Nevertheless, I will say that since it is in Spanish for a majority of the time, it feels less stupid and more mysterious and entertaining.

Note: If you haven’t seen the original since 2018, I suggest not watching it or refreshing your memory about it prior to watching Bird Box: Barcelona. This sequel will be more surprising and engrossing without the refresher.

Ultimately, Bird Box: Barcelona sticks with the same ridiculous premise of Bird Box, but the changed perspective of the main character makes the effort worthwhile. The setting is also a big plus for this sequel even if it doesn’t feel unique to Barcelona. There is decent action, but there aren’t really any memorable scares. If you can continue to suspend disbelief with this sequel, then you should enjoy this movie enough for a bowl of popcorn.