Watch Unbridled

Unbridled is a drama film from 2018 that explores the world of equine therapy in Spain. The movie follows the character Rosa, a young woman who has just been released from a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. Struggling to find her bearings and unsure of what her future holds, Rosa is sent by her therapist to a ranch in the countryside where equine therapy is practised. The ranch is run by a former champion rider, Manuel, who has experienced his own personal tragedies.

Upon arriving at the ranch, Rosa is greeted by a group of troubled teens, all of whom have come to the ranch for equine therapy. The therapy consists of working with horses and learning to care for them. Initially apprehensive, Rosa quickly develops a bond with a wild horse named Rocio, and she begins to understand the transformative power of equine therapy, not just for herself, but for the other teens as well.

Throughout the movie, Rosa's personal journey is interwoven with those of the other characters. We meet Lucia, a shy and withdrawn teenager who has suffered abuse at the hands of her stepfather. There's also Juan, a young man who struggles with addiction, and Amadeo, a boy who has been rejected by his family because of his sexual orientation. All of these characters are brought together by their common love for horses and their desire to heal from their respective traumas.

As the teens work with the horses and form bonds with one another, they begin to open up about their pasts and slowly start to heal. However, their progress is threatened by the arrival of Antonio, a wealthy businessman who is interested in buying the ranch and using it for a more commercial purpose. Manuel is opposed to the idea, knowing that the therapeutic work being done at the ranch would be upended if the business deal goes through. The characters have to come together to fight for what they believe in and protect the sanctuary they have found at the ranch.

The film delves into themes of trauma, mental health, and the healing power of animals. It explores the different ways people cope with trauma and how equine therapy is a legitimate and effective form of treatment. It also addresses issues of class and privilege, as the characters navigate a world where wealth and power can easily trump compassion and individual needs.

The acting in the film is superb, particularly from Natalia de Molina, who plays Rosa. Her portrayal of a character grappling with mental illness and personal demons is nuanced and empathetic. Daniel Grao, who plays Manuel, brings a quiet strength and dignity to his character, while Natalia Mateo is excellent as Rosa's therapist.

The film is beautifully shot, with sweeping vistas of the Spanish countryside that capture the majesty of the horses and the tranquillity of the ranch. The soundtrack is also outstanding, featuring a mix of classical and contemporary music that perfectly captures the mood of the film.

Overall, Unbridled is a powerful and moving drama that explores a little-known form of therapy and the transformative power of human-animal connections. The film is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with a cast of characters that will stay with you long after the film ends. Whether you're an animal lover or just looking for a thought-provoking drama, Unbridled is definitely worth a watch.