Barren Land

Barren Land is a 2025 thriller film directed by from a screenplay by Fernando [Navarro (screenwriter)|Fernando Navarro] starring Luis Zahera, Karra Elejalde, and Jesús Carroza.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of the illegal [drug trade] in the province of Cádiz, the plot examines the tested friendship between Guardia Civil agent Mateo "El Gallego", resourceful bailiff Benito "El Yeye", and fisherman-turned-drug dealer Juan "El Antxale".

Production

The screenplay was written by Fernando Navarro from an original idea by producer Álvaro Ariza. The film is a Spanish-Mexican co-production by Esto también pasará, Glow, En tierra de nadie Films AIE and SDB Films, and it had the participation of Amazon Prime Video, RTVE, Canal Sur, Mogambo and Crea SGR, and the backing from ICAA. Filming began on 18 April 2024. The film was shot in the province of Cádiz and the Madrid region.

Release

Barren Land was presented at the 28th Málaga Film Festival on 15 March 2025. The film is scheduled to be released theatrically in Spain on 28 March 2025 by Sony Pictures.

Reception

Pere Vall of Fotogramas rated the "energetic and vibrant" film 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the performances from the top four cast and the "brilliant" making as the best things about the film.
Begoña Piña of Cinemanía rated the film 2 out of 5 stars, lamenting that "with blurred female characters, the film becomes an anecdote".