Saturn Return

The narrative unfolds in the 20th century, tracing a Granada-based rock group as they navigate a changing music industry. It juxtaposes live performances, television appearances, and a bid to record an album in New York City. The era's cultural climate shapes the band's ambitions and the push-pull between art and commerce.

Granada, in southern Spain, serves as the film’s backdrop. The story centers on its intimate, local music scene and the venues where the band rehearses and performs. The opening sequence places the characters after a ski slope, signaling the clash between personal drama and the pressures of a music career.

🎨 Creativity

Creativity wrestles with the pressure to deliver a commercial hit and to meet deadlines set by the record label. The guitarist's struggles with substance use and the singer's drive to finish a song illustrate how artistic vision collides with industry demands. As the band plans to record in New York, creative decisions become pivotal. The tension reshapes how each member views their art and their future.

🧭 Memory

Memory frames the narrative as May recounts events from her perspective, offering a version that may differ from others' accounts. The bassist performing with her back to the audience adds a layer of subjectivity and distance from the band's dynamics. The guitarist's hallucinations and reminiscences blur lines between reality and fantasy. The memory of the guitarist and the past influences the decision to reunite for the NYC project.

👥 Band Dynamics

Interpersonal dynamics drive the plot: May's departure, the search for a drummer and bassist, and the producer's push. The group navigates pressure from the label and the lure of recording in NYC. Tensions, loyalties, and creative disagreements shape who stays with the band. The final decision to reunite or not tests each member's commitment to the music.