"Valle de sombras" (Valley of Shadows) diverges from the romanticized perceptions of the Parvati Valley in the Himalayas, shedding light on the numerous disappearances of tourists in this region known for pilgrimage and drug trafficking. Inspired by real events, the film portrays the journey of a Spanish tourist who, following an assault by bandits, seeks refuge in an isolated mountain village until the right season for his return.
Director Salvador Calvo, known for previous works like "Los últimos de Filipinas" (2016) and "Adú" (2020), explores the physical and emotional conflicts of individuals within challenging natural and human environments. The film attempts to strike a balance between a realistic portrayal of the Indian landscape and a storyline featuring popular actor Miguel Herrán to engage audiences.
However, despite Herrán's presence, the film struggles to fully convey the protagonist's inner turmoil. Secondary characters, particularly Alexandra Masangkay's portrayal, fail to resonate effectively. While the locations offer spectacular visuals, the film falls short of delivering significant dramatic or spiritual depth from them.
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