Watch Offering to the Storm

Offering to the Storm is a gripping Spanish thriller that is the final installment in the Baztan Trilogy. It tells the story of Inspector Amaia Salazar, who is on a mission to uncover the truth behind a series of gruesome murders in her hometown of Elizondo. The film is directed by Fernando Gonzalez Molina and stars Marta Etura as Amaia Salazar, Leonardo Sbaraglia as her ex-boyfriend, and Nene as the mysterious priest.

The movie starts with a shocking scene of a group of people burning a young woman alive in the forest during a stormy night. Despite knowing the identity of the victim, the killer evades arrest, and Amaia is called in to investigate. With each new death, she uncovers more clues that point to a supernatural motive behind the killings. As she delves deeper into the case, she discovers a sinister plot that involves a secretive religious group and familial ties that go back generations.

Offering to the Storm is a visually stunning movie that captures the eerie beauty of the Basque countryside. The landscape is expertly used as both a plot device and a character in its own right, adding to the film's sense of unease. The use of natural phenomena such as storms and forests creates an unsettling atmosphere, underscoring the supernatural elements of the story.

The film feels like a love letter to the Baztan Valley, with breathtaking shots of winding roads, rolling hills, and misty forests. At the same time, the valley is portrayed as a place full of secrets, where everyone has something to hide. The tight-knit community of Elizondo is well-realized, with believable characters who each have their own motivations and desires. The movie does an excellent job of threading in relevant and accurate information about Basque traditions and folklore, which adds credibility to the plot.

At its heart, Offering to the Storm is a story about loss, grief, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. The central relationship between Amaia and her family is the emotional backbone of the movie, and Marta Etura's performance as the troubled inspector is compelling. The emotional weight of the trilogy is felt heavily in this installment, as the themes of motherhood, identity, and sacrifice come to a climax.

The supporting cast is excellent, particularly Leonardo Sbaraglia and Nene. Sbaraglia's portrayal of Amaia's ex-boyfriend adds a layer of complexity to the story, as it becomes clear that their relationship is anything but straightforward. Nene's role as a charismatic priest adds a sense of danger and unpredictability, as his intentions remain unclear until the final act.

One of the standout elements of the film is its music, which is haunting and evocative. Fernando Velazquez's score is a perfect accompaniment to the visuals, heightening the tension and building the suspense. The use of traditional Basque instruments such as the txalaparta gives the movie a unique sound that sets it apart from other thrillers.

Overall, Offering to the Storm is a satisfying conclusion to the Baztan Trilogy, delivering a gripping and emotionally-charged story that will keep viewers engaged until the last scene. With exceptional direction, stunning cinematography, and strong performances, it is a must-see for fans of the series and lovers of the thriller genre.

Offering to the Storm is a 2020 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.