My quick rating - 5,5/10. This flick had a lot to live up to after the gripping suspense of its predecessor, but unfortunately, it falls short in capturing the same level of intrigue and tension. While the title itself seems like a clever marketing ploy to cash in on the success of the first film, this sequel struggles to recreate the heart-pounding thrills that made its predecessor a hit. One of the highlights of the film is undoubtedly the picturesque location shots of Barcelona, which provide a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding story. The city's beauty is expertly captured, and these scenes add a layer of aesthetic appeal that keeps the audience engaged. However, the film's pacing is a noticeable letdown. Several scenes feel unnecessarily drawn out, contributing to a sense of sluggishness that hampers the overall experience. It's as if the filmmakers were trying to stretch the runtime without adding meaningful content to the story. This pacing issue can make the movie feel tedious at times, leaving viewers wishing for a more tightly edited narrative. I also thought the characters' motivations often were out of place and lack the depth that made the original film's characters so compelling. This lack of coherent motivation can make it difficult for the audience to truly connect with the characters and invest emotionally in their journeys. Despite these shortcomings, one shining light in the movie is Naila Schuberth's portrayal of Sofia, the little girl. Her performance adds a sense of authenticity and emotional depth that is sorely needed in certain moments. Schuberth's acting helps to anchor the film and provides a much-needed connection for the audience. I just wish the rest of the cast seemed as invested as she did. The moments when the monster was in its stalking mode, she seemed to be the only believable one in her reaction. I felt that writers Àlex Pastor & David Pastor really forced the narrative with our lead, played by Mario Casas, to be that guy you really aren't sure if you should root for or against. And as I said, the motives on his action was highly suspect. Still it did provide enough entertainment to be recommended if you enjoyed the first, just don't expect it to quite hit that level. I will admit it still has me interested in what the whole story turns out to be. I haven't read the novel by Josh Malerman so no spoilers if you have, please.
Netflix exclusive right now and streaming at number one at the time of this writing.
