Upcoming Movies: Away (2025) by Gerard Oms
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
About movie: https://dafilmfestival.com/en/movie/molt-lluny/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/476203
Theatrical Release
"Away" premiered at the 28th Málaga Film Festival on March 16, 2025. It was also selected as the closing film of the 15th D'A Barcelona Film Festival. It is scheduled for theatrical release in Spain on April 11, 2025, by BTeam Pictures.
Detailed Summary
Sergio travels with his family to Utrecht for a football match. Before their return flight to Barcelona, he experiences a panic attack and impulsively decides to stay in Holland. Unable to articulate a logical reason to his loved ones, Sergio cuts off all contact with his past life in Barcelona. Without money, friends, a home, or even knowledge of the local language, he finds himself adrift in a new city, attempting to escape from himself and the life he left behind.
Plot Summary
After a panic attack in Utrecht, Sergio abandons his family and his life in Barcelona, choosing to stay in Holland with no resources or explanation, embarking on a journey of self-imposed isolation.
Director's Vision
Gerard Oms draws upon his own experiences as an emigrant in his directorial debut. His vision centers on a protagonist who is trying, and initially failing, to escape from his own inner turmoil and past. The film is described as semi-autobiographical, showcasing actor Mario Casas's versatility in a role revealing previously unseen facets of his talent.
Themes
Self-Discovery: Sergio's impulsive decision leads him on a journey, though initially one of escape, that could potentially lead to self-discovery.
Escape and Isolation: The film explores the protagonist's desire to escape his current life and his subsequent isolation in a foreign land.
Panic and Anxiety: Sergio's panic attack is the catalyst for his drastic decision and hints at underlying mental health struggles.
Severing Ties with the Past: Sergio's complete cut-off from his family and former life underscores his desperate need for change.
Adaptation and Finding Oneself: The narrative likely follows Sergio's attempts to navigate his new reality in Utrecht.
Key Success Factors
Mario Casas won the Silver Biznaga for Best Actor at the 2025 Málaga Film Festival for his performance in the film. The film also received the Critics Jury's Special Prize at the same festival, highlighting the strong acting and compelling narrative.
Summary Short
Following a panic attack in the Netherlands, a man abandons his family and life in Barcelona, seeking to escape himself by cutting off all ties to his past and starting anew in a foreign city with no resources.
Awards and Nominations
"Away" won the Silver Biznaga for Best Actor (Mario Casas) and the Silver Biznaga (Critics Jury's Special Prize) at the 2025 Málaga Film Festival.
Critics Reception
The film has received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for Mario Casas's performance:
Cineuropa: Enric Albero deemed Mario Casas's performance his best since "Unit 7" and praised the script's exploration of its central character. Raquel Hernández Luján of HobbyConsolas rated the film as "good," highlighting the depth of the script's character exploration but noting its gray, cold, and sad tone that might not be easy for all viewers. Alfonso Rivera noted that Gerard Oms drew from his own emigration experience, emphasizing Casas's portrayal of a man struggling against societal pressures and his own emotions.
ara.cat: Highlighted Mario Casas's acting skills and the film's portrayal of the experience of uprooting in contemporary Europe.
Production
"Away" is a Spanish-Dutch co-production directed and written by Gerard Oms, starring Mario Casas, David Verdaguer, and Ilyass El Ouahdani, produced by Zabriskie Films (Barcelona) and Revolver Amsterdam, with cinematography by Edu Canet Ciscar and editing by Neus Ballús. The music is composed by Sílvia Pérez Cruz.
Production Companies
Zabriskie Films (Spain - Barcelona)
Revolver Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Sales Companies
Latido Films acquired the sales rights for "Away" ahead of its world premiere at the Málaga Film Festival.
Distribution Companies
BTeam Pictures is distributing "Away" theatrically in Spain.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Award-Winning Performance by Mario Casas: His portrayal has been recognized at the Málaga Film Festival.
Intriguing Premise of Self-Discovery Through Escape: The story offers a unique angle on themes of finding oneself.
Directed by a Promising New Talent: Gerard Oms makes his feature film debut with this project.
Why to Watch Movie
For a Potentially Moving and Thought-Provoking Drama: The premise suggests an exploration of deep personal issues.
To See a Different Side of Mario Casas: The film is said to showcase his versatility as an actor.
To Experience a Spanish-Dutch Co-production: Offers a blend of European cinematic styles.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Travel and Self-Discovery Narratives: The film aligns with a trend of movies where characters embark on journeys that lead to introspection and personal growth, even if the initial intent is escape.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Desire for Escape and Finding Oneself: In contemporary society, there is a prevalent desire to escape the pressures of everyday life and embark on journeys of self-discovery.
Final Verdict
"Away" appears to be a compelling drama centered on a man's impulsive decision to abandon his life and seek a new beginning in a foreign land. With an award-winning performance by Mario Casas and a semi-autobiographical element from first-time director Gerard Oms, the film promises a nuanced exploration of escape, identity, and the search for oneself.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Draw from Personal Experiences: Gerard Oms's semi-autobiographical approach suggests that personal stories can lead to compelling cinema.
Showcase Actor Versatility: The film highlights Mario Casas's ability to portray a different kind of character.
Focus on Internal Journeys: Even with a change of setting, the core of the story lies in the protagonist's internal struggles.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support First-Time Feature Directors: Gerard Oms's debut is gaining recognition, showcasing the importance of backing new talent.
Recognize the Appeal of Character-Driven Dramas: Films that focus on individual journeys and emotional depth often resonate with audiences.
Facilitate International Co-productions: The collaboration between Spain and the Netherlands brought this story to life.
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