In the latest international Netflix thriller, “Nowhere,” audiences are taken on a journey that, while not without its faults, is ultimately saved by a captivating performance by Anna Castillo. The film starts off on a shaky note with a clunky prologue that places a refugee crisis in a dystopian future, which feels somewhat disconnected from the real-world refugee hotspots of the 2020s. However, once the story finds its footing, it becomes a gripping single-setting, single-character survival narrative.
Anna Castillo shines as Mia, the very pregnant partner of Nico (Tamar Novas), who are on the run from a country in turmoil. Their escape takes them to a cargo yard, where they find themselves hiding from dogs and helicopter spotlights. After a series of unfortunate events, they are separated into two shipping containers, and Mia’s struggle for survival truly begins when she finds herself alone and adrift at sea, on the brink of giving birth.
The film excels when it focuses on the deliberate actions Mia takes to survive – whether it’s trying to pry open the container’s roof or figuring out how to fish for sustenance. These moments allow viewers to put themselves in Mia’s shoes, questioning how they would fare in such a dire situation. What elevates the stakes is Mia’s impending motherhood, which adds a poignant layer to the story. She’s not only fighting for her own survival but also for her newborn child, especially poignant given her previous loss.
Director Albert Pinto extracts a remarkable performance from Castillo, who initially comes across as a bit forced in the film’s early scenes, largely due to the awkward dialogue. However, as the story progresses, Castillo settles into her role, becoming a force of survival instinct. Her portrayal convincingly conveys the idea that giving up is not an option, driven by a mother’s determination to protect her child.
While “Nowhere” boasts a compelling premise and a strong central performance, it’s not without its shortcomings. The film’s portrayal of the container’s internal space could have been more claustrophobic and immersive, and the editing at times feels overly frenetic when longer shots could have better conveyed the passage of time and Mia’s growing desperation. Additionally, the film’s nearly two-hour runtime results in some repetitiveness that could have been trimmed down.
Furthermore, the film’s messaging about the refugee crisis feels somewhat vague and underdeveloped. It may be best to appreciate “Nowhere” as a testament to the resilience of a mother’s will to live and protect her child rather than delving too deeply into its social commentary.
In the end, “Nowhere” is a thriller that, despite its flaws, manages to captivate through its portrayal of a woman’s fight for survival and the unwavering determination born out of maternal love. Anna Castillo’s powerful performance and the relatable moments of survival make it a film worth streaming for those who appreciate a gripping tale of human resilience in the face of adversity.
