
Is The Ones from Below Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)
Gregório is a rustic and idealistic peasant who lives frustrated in the village of Rosillas. Arrogant and bold, he wants to recover the waters of the family's old dam, which were diverted by Colonel Igrejas, an Argentinean farmer who acts in collusion with the town's mayor to benefit the cultivation of his own vines. In the midst of all this, Gregório will have to face the contempt of the residents, the corruption and the socioeconomic power of the elite, leaving aside the love for his little son Olegário, the care for his elderly parents and the love of Paula, the teacher at the school who insists that he go live in the city. How does the one who stays on the land that everyone has decided to leave survives.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then The Ones from Below offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2022 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
The Ones from Below, a standout production of 2022, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Gregório is a rustic and idealistic peasant who lives frustrated in the village of Rosillas. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Gregório is a rustic and idealistic peasant who lives frustrated in the village of Rosillas. Arrogant and bold, he wants to recover the waters of the family's old dam, which were diverted by Colonel Igrejas, an Argentinean farmer who acts in collusion with the town's mayor to benefit the cultivation of his own vines. In the midst of all this, Gregório will have to face the contempt of the residents, the corruption and the socioeconomic power of the elite, leaving aside the love for his little son Olegário, the care for his elderly parents and the love of Paula, the teacher at the school who insists that he go live in the city. How does the one who stays on the land that everyone has decided to leave survives."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Fernando Arze provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Alejandro Quiroga is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 83 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is The Ones from Below truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, The Ones from Below explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Alejandro Quiroga respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, The Ones from Below is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Fernando Arze or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Ones from Below is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.