A desert rave and a father’s search for his missing daughter form the dual narrative threads of Spain’s Oscar-nominated Sirāt. The title refers to the Arabic concept of the bridge between Paradise and Hell—a fitting metaphor for the harrowing journey the characters ultimately undertake. Much of the film’s buzz has centered on its casting: aside from two principal actors, the ensemble is largely composed of nonprofessionals, many of them real-life ravers making their screen debuts.

This year’s International Feature lineup was dominated by films distributed by Neon. In the end, No Other Choice fell short while The Voice of Hind Rajab secured a nomination. If I had to predict which Neon title might miss, however, Sirāt would have been my choice. Throughout much of the film, I found myself questioning both its purpose and the extent of its critical acclaim.

The premise suggests the potential for a searing meditation on war, displacement, or the desperate lengths a parent will go to for their child. Yet those thematic avenues remain largely unexplored. Instead, the film presents extended scenes of desert raves, stretches of driving, and sudden bursts of violence that feel arbitrary rather than revelatory. The narrative progression seems less like a descent into meaning and more like a sequence of events unfolding without clear thematic accumulation. By the end, I was left less contemplative than confused—searching for a unifying idea that never fully materialized.

Given that reaction, I struggle to see a viable path for Sirāt to win in either Best International Feature or Best Sound. In the former category, contenders like Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent appear stronger, bolstered by their Best Picture nominations and broader Academy support. As for Best Sound, one can’t help but wonder whether Sirāt benefited simply from the prominence of its towering speaker stacks and pulsating rave sequences. Films such as F1 and Sinners—both Best Picture nominees—seem like more formidable competitors in that technical race.

That said, Sirāt outperformed expectations by landing on multiple Oscar longlists, and director Oliver Laxe and his team should take pride in that achievement. Clearly, the film resonated deeply with many viewers and critics. While I may not share their enthusiasm, there’s no denying that Sirāt sparked conversation—and sometimes, in awards season, that alone is an accomplishment.