Alcarràs

Director Carla Simón brings to life the warmth, vibrance and vitality of an agricultural village in Catalonia in the stunning new Spanish drama film Alcarràs. A peach orchard under threat from excavation is the backdrop of a sweeping story depicting intergenerational tensions, the passage of time and the inherent connection to the land.

Alcarrás is a tiny village in deepest Catalonia. It is at a crossroads between its agrarian roots and a future impacted by climate change and chain supermarket profit greed. The Solé family have operated a peach orchard as a result of a gentleman’s agreement decades prior. Now, the landowner’s son declares that the peach tree will be unearthed and replaced with solar panels. Second-generation farmer Quimet (Jordi Pujol Dolcet) is dismayed yet determined to make the most of the final harvest and enlists the help of his large family.

With the end of an era in sight, each family member contemplates rebellion and examines the inevitability of losing the family farm and their deep-rooted connection to the land. Family patriarch Rogelio (Josep Abad) – who obtained the land through custom, not a legally binding contract – reflects on a bygone era and the thriving fig tree he planted many years ago, a fitting metaphor for time, fertility, and family. Grandchildren Roger (Albert Bosch), Mariona (Xénia Roset) and Iris (Ainet Jounou) navigate the complex family dynamics. Quimet’s dogged attitude and short fuse make him clash with his siblings, who each have a vision for how the future looks. When the family gathers for the last harvest, can they come together in harmony?

Alcarràs is superb and easily one of the most memorable foreign films of the year. Director Carla Simón deserves the accolades that befall her, including the Golden Bear gong at the Berlin Film Festival. The cinematography is breathtaking, the acting is naturalistic and the brilliance of the film lies in its scope. It’s part coming-of-age, and a big chunk of the film is dedicated to memorable scenes where the confident youngsters use the farm as a huge playground, emulating the adults around them. It’s part social commentary on the pressures of agriculture today. The film touches on the farmers protesting for more rights and effectively illustrates just how important one harvest is to a farmer’s livelihood. Change – as an abstract concept and a realised force – touches each of the characters. Featuring non-professional actors from the area of Alcarràs is a stroke of genius –  in that the inherent connection to the land shines through.

Alcarràs contemplates the institution of a large family –  the love, the contradictions, the bonds, all through the lens of agriculture. Beautifully shot, absorbing, and it’s a real pleasure to watch.

Alcarràs is in cinemas now.