The setting is section of a factory where an assembly for auto parts is overseen by Javier. It is about that time of the year where orders for the snow chains for vehicles are received. There is a lot to do, so Javier asks, and gets, three people to work in his department. Jairo is transferred from another department and two temporary helpers come from an employment agency. Kartmenxu is a woman in her forties, Angela is younger.
The atmosphere in the workplace is driven by boredom as every day is the same. The routine is broken by Angela a young woman who wants to do more to the dreary conditions they must work under. With Karmentxu, she become fast friends. They stand in contrast with the sullen Jairo and their supervisor, Javier. Angela is the catalyst in changing their routine.
Their good relationship is threatened when Javier is told the ladies will be placed in a different division. Javier's attitude changes as he cannot hide the fact he is disappointed in not keeping the ladies, who together with Jairo have become good friends. Ultimately, the two temps are let go. Jairo is sad to see Angela leave because he liked her a lot. Javier reneges on his promise to Angela to keep his second home in a small village.
"Under the Snow" is the first effort by independent directors Candela Figueira and Maitena Muruzabal. Supposedly, this picture is based on a personal experience by Ms. Muruzabal at a place she worked that was similar to the setting for the movie. The routine of the workplace is heightened by the start of the day. Little changes from one day, or month, to the next ones. Angela symbolizes the link that holds this human quartet together with her youth and eagerness to change their place into something more convivial. The creators also take a look at the way these factories handle their employees. The only aspect of the film the directors should have done better was in the editing. The film needs it badly. We all get the idea of the boredom and routine, but it is not necessary to show us the same images over and over to get it. Both directors worked in different Hollywood projects, so they should have apply what they learned to this venture.
The acting is good, especially Laura De Pedro, who is the most positive member of the people studied. Asun Aguinaco, Gabriel Latorre and Xavi Yarnoz do excellent ensemble playing.
The atmosphere in the workplace is driven by boredom as every day is the same. The routine is broken by Angela a young woman who wants to do more to the dreary conditions they must work under. With Karmentxu, she become fast friends. They stand in contrast with the sullen Jairo and their supervisor, Javier. Angela is the catalyst in changing their routine.
Their good relationship is threatened when Javier is told the ladies will be placed in a different division. Javier's attitude changes as he cannot hide the fact he is disappointed in not keeping the ladies, who together with Jairo have become good friends. Ultimately, the two temps are let go. Jairo is sad to see Angela leave because he liked her a lot. Javier reneges on his promise to Angela to keep his second home in a small village.
"Under the Snow" is the first effort by independent directors Candela Figueira and Maitena Muruzabal. Supposedly, this picture is based on a personal experience by Ms. Muruzabal at a place she worked that was similar to the setting for the movie. The routine of the workplace is heightened by the start of the day. Little changes from one day, or month, to the next ones. Angela symbolizes the link that holds this human quartet together with her youth and eagerness to change their place into something more convivial. The creators also take a look at the way these factories handle their employees. The only aspect of the film the directors should have done better was in the editing. The film needs it badly. We all get the idea of the boredom and routine, but it is not necessary to show us the same images over and over to get it. Both directors worked in different Hollywood projects, so they should have apply what they learned to this venture.
The acting is good, especially Laura De Pedro, who is the most positive member of the people studied. Asun Aguinaco, Gabriel Latorre and Xavi Yarnoz do excellent ensemble playing.
