Reviews: All the Moons (2020) Movie Review
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This in-depth review of All the Moons (2020) explores its story, characters, and scares in detail, offering insights for every horror fan.
Set against the backdrop of the Third Carlist War in 19th-century Spain, All the Moons (2020) is an atmospheric horror-drama that reimagines the vampire mythos through an emotional and poetic lens. The story follows Amaia (Haizea Carneros), a young girl on the brink of death, who is saved by a mysterious woman (Itziar Ituño) with supernatural abilities. However, this second chance at life comes with a dark price—a thirst for blood and an eternity of solitude. As Amaia struggles to understand her new existence, she embarks on a journey of identity, loss, and love, questioning what it truly means to be human.
All the Moons (2020) Review – A Hauntingly Beautiful Take on Immortality and Loss
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Unlike traditional vampire horror films that focus on gore and terror, All the Moons takes a lyrical approach, weaving a narrative rich in melancholy and self-discovery. The film explores:
- Immortality and Isolation – Amaia’s transition into a vampire is not glamorous or predatory; rather, it is a burden that isolates her from humanity. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, as she struggles between her human emotions and supernatural nature.
- War and Survival – The Carlist War serves as the film’s backdrop, reinforcing the constant struggle for survival and the fleeting nature of human life.
- Found Family vs. Loneliness – Amaia’s bond with Cándido (Josean Bengoetxea), a lonely farmer, forms the film’s emotional core. Their relationship is tender and filled with longing—Cándido sees Amaia as a daughter, while she clings to the hope of belonging in a world that will always see her as different.
Haizea Carneros delivers an exceptional breakout performance, portraying Amaia’s transformation from a frightened child to a weary immortal with heartbreaking subtlety. Itziar Ituño (known from Money Heist) adds depth as the enigmatic vampire who saves Amaia, showcasing a blend of maternal warmth and quiet menace.
Cinematography, Sound, and Direction
Director Igor Legarreta crafts a visually breathtaking film that balances ethereal beauty with haunting sorrow. The cinematography by Iñaki Díez captures the cold, desolate landscapes of war-torn Spain with painterly precision.
- Lighting and Color Grading – The film’s use of soft candlelight, misty forests, and moonlit silhouettes enhances its dreamlike quality. The contrast between warm, earthy tones in human interactions and the cold, shadowy hues of Amaia’s isolation is visually striking.
- Score and Atmosphere – Pascal Gaigne’s haunting score subtly underlines the film’s themes of melancholy, longing, and quiet horror, creating an experience that lingers beyond the final frame.
- Slow-Burn Pacing – While All the Moons is deliberately slow-paced, it suits the story’s meditative nature. However, viewers expecting a traditional vampire horror film might find its narrative progression too measured.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Unique Take on Vampirism – Instead of focusing on violence and fear, the film examines the emotional and psychological weight of immortality.
- Stunning Cinematography – Every frame looks like a painting, adding to the film’s ethereal, dreamlike quality.
- Emotional Depth – The relationships, particularly between Amaia and Cándido, add a layer of warmth that makes the story more than just a horror tale.
- Powerful Performances – Haizea Carneros shines in the lead role, delivering a nuanced performance that carries the film’s emotional weight.
Weaknesses:
- Slow Pacing – Some viewers might find the film’s deliberate pacing to be too slow, especially those expecting a faster-moving horror narrative.
- Lack of Traditional Horror Elements – The film is more of a fantasy drama than a horror movie, which might disappoint audiences seeking intense scares or action.
- Minimal Vampire Lore Exploration – While beautifully told, the film leaves some of its supernatural aspects underdeveloped, opting for emotional storytelling over deep vampire mythology.
Final Verdict & Score: 7/10
All the Moons is a visually mesmerizing and emotionally profound take on the vampire myth, offering a meditative exploration of life, loss, and belonging. Though it lacks the traditional thrills of mainstream horror, its gorgeous cinematography, strong performances, and haunting atmosphere make it a worthy watch for fans of slow-burn gothic storytelling.
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Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- All the Moons Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.52/10
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9.0/10
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