Hey folks! I just watched “Finding Altamira” and, boy, did it bring up some mixed feelings. On the one hand, the film’s stunning visual representation of the cave paintings is pure eye-candy. It’s almost like you can smell the damp stone and ancient dust. I mean, I could practically feel the scratches of the charcoal under my fingertips! Given my background, I might have gone a bit over-the-top imagining myself as an archaeologist. But then again, who wouldn’t get carried away in a place like Altamira?

Antonio Banderas plays Don Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, the guy who discovered these breathtaking prehistorical artworks. Banderas brings his signature intensity to the role, although sometimes it feels like he’s holding back… or maybe it’s just me expecting him to break into a melodramatic outburst, who knows? The father-daughter dynamic he shares with little Maria (Allegra Allen) is touching, particularly if you, like me, have tried explaining something mind-blowing to a much younger spirit—like the time I tried to convince my niece that VHS tapes were the pinnacle of technology. Ha!

However, the pacing is slow. Too slow for a two-cup-of-coffee day. And the script? Meh, it could’ve been tighter. Lots of historical drama films struggle with keeping the balance between fact and fiction, and “Finding Altamira” is no different. Sometimes it’s like they were trying to fit a mammoth into a Mini Cooper.

A standout part for me, though, was the exploration of the conflict between science and religion—a theme that never really goes out of fashion, does it? It made me think about some heated debates I’ve had over the years about faith vs. evidence, philosophy vs. pragmatism, and so on. Man, those discussions can get intense, just like in the movie!

For all you folks who grew up watching Banderas in action-packed roles, “Finding Altamira” is a change of pace but worth a watch if you’re into a quieter, more introspective film experience. All in all, it’s not a must-watch, but it’s not a waste of time either. Maybe watch it on a rainy Sunday with a cup of warm choklad?

Check out the trailer for more vibes: Finding Altamira