Los Saldos Review: A Son's Emotional Return to Spanish Farming Heritage
Raúl Capdevila Murillo's debut documentary Los Saldos presents a deeply personal exploration of heritage and tradition set against the backdrop of rural Spain. The film follows the director's own journey as he returns to his farming family in Binéfar, north-eastern Spain, where their way of life faces new and significant threats from industrial changes.
A Cinematic Return to Roots
From its opening moments, Los Saldos establishes a distinctive visual and emotional tone. The documentary begins with bold yellow titles splattering across a dusty landscape, accompanied by a rousing musical score that evokes the atmosphere of classic western films. This stylistic choice immediately sets the stage for what becomes an intimate family story with broader cultural implications.
The narrative centres on Capdevila Murillo's return from what he describes as the "civilised big city" to his family's agricultural world. Rather than focusing on dramatic conflict, the film instead examines the quiet struggle of farmers whose traditional practices are being unsettled by modern industrial developments.
Portrait of a Vanishing Way of Life
Shot in widescreen format, the documentary lends a majestic quality to the ordinary routines of farming life. Viewers observe José Ramón, the director's father, as he goes about his daily tasks – driving his pickup truck through the countryside, tending to crops, and caring for animals. The pacing is deliberately slow and languid, mirroring the rhythm of agricultural life.
Even seemingly simple decisions, such as discussing the installation of a new water tank, become extended conversations between José Ramón and his neighbours. These farmers represent what the film suggests are the remnants of a vanishing profession, their discussions highlighting the careful consideration that characterises traditional farming practices.
The Shadow of Industrial Change
Throughout Los Saldos, a significant threat looms over the community. A major meat-product company is planning to construct a macro abattoir in the area, a development that hangs over the film like what the director describes as "a bad smell." News reports and political discussions about this industrial project unspool on radio and television broadcasts, providing a constant reminder of the changing economic landscape.
The documentary suggests this planned abattoir would appear as an unsightly growth on Binéfar's lush natural landscape, drawing a parallel with a local anecdote about a witch who could remove warts. However, as the film makes clear, there is no magical solution to these modern industrial challenges.
Rediscovering Heritage Through Experience
Beyond its portrait of endangered agricultural practices, Los Saldos explores the emotional journey of reconnecting with personal heritage. Capdevila Murillo relearns his family's farming history through the physical act of working the land alongside his father. This hands-on experience becomes a means of understanding both the practical realities and cultural significance of traditional farming.
The documentary also highlights the importance of oral tradition and storytelling in preserving heritage. The director's grandmother passes down tales of ancestral healing rituals, including the story of the local wart-removing witch. These narratives serve as cultural touchstones, connecting present generations to their historical roots.
A Timely Examination of Tradition and Change
Los Saldos ultimately presents a nuanced examination of the tension between tradition and progress. As forces of capitalism and industrialisation advance, the film questions what might be lost in the process. The documentary doesn't offer easy answers but instead invites viewers to consider the value of heritage and the emotional significance of reconnecting with one's roots.
Through its intimate family focus and broader cultural observations, Los Saldos creates a compelling narrative about identity, tradition, and the challenges facing rural communities in contemporary Spain. The film is scheduled for release on True Story from 30 January.
