Where was Big Sky filmed?
2019
City Locations
Toronto, Ontario (Canada); Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)
Location Types
Unusual
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Van/Bus/RV Style, Desert, Dilapidated/Neglected, Rustic
About Big Sky
Big Sky is a captivating drama thriller expertly directed by the talented Jorge Michel Grau. Released in 2015, this film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Kyra Sedgwick, Bella Thorne, Frank Grillo, and Aaron Tveit.
The movie is a remarkable collaboration between The Archive and Papagjika Salloway Productions, harnessing their creative synergy to deliver an extraordinary film. It received a limited release by Entertainment One in 2015, showcasing its brilliance. Even though the movie received a somewhat mixed response from critics, it has been applauded by viewers for its powerful portrayal of human tenacity in overcoming extreme challenges.
The plot centers around a teenage girl (Bella Thorne) with intense agoraphobia. Her mother (Kyra Sedgwick) persuades her to travel to a secluded treatment facility in hopes of managing her condition. However, their journey takes a terrifying turn when they are ambushed by two gunmen harboring a dark agenda. The mother and daughter are then forced into a desperate struggle for survival.
Although Big Sky had a captivating storyline, it garnered mixed reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes holds an approval rating of 18% based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. Metacritic scored the film 36 out of 100, based on seven reviews. The screenplay and Thorne's performance faced significant criticism from critics.
Big Sky Locations
Big Sky was filmed in two distinctive regions: Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Principal photography for the movie began in Albuquerque in October 2013, and this region provided the setting for many of the movie's desert scenes and house scenes.
The backdrop of the desert region is stunningly picturesque, with rolling dunes, rugged mountains, cacti-dotted landscapes, and a variety of wildlife. Furthermore, within Albuquerque lies several landmarks, such as Petroglyph National Monument and White Sands National Park, that further add to the beauty of this area. Additionally, interior van shots were filmed in Toronto, well-known for its vibrant cityscape and unique architecture towering amongst the hustle and bustle of busy streets. These two central regions provided most of the filming locations for Big Sky.
A trip to either Albuquerque or Toronto is worthwhile if you are a fan of Big Sky, as it provides an opportunity to explore landscapes. Both regions have numerous activities, from hiking or biking through trails at Petroglyph National Monument to exploring various historical sites within Toronto, like Casa Loma or Fort York. Additionally, discovering all these areas can be done while taking advantage of their respective cultures by trying local cuisine or visiting exciting art galleries. In short, both Albuquerque and Toronto have plenty to offer regarding retracing the footsteps of Big Sky.
Pru and Jesse attack the van scene in Big Sky
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
An intense and compelling scene unfolds in the vast expanse of the desert. Half-brothers Pru (Aaron Tveit) and Jesse (Frank Grillo) ambush a van to kidnap a wealthy heiress. Pru, mentally unstable due to his mother's abuse, reacts unpredictably and shoots Dee (Kyra Sedgwick). Despite being frustrated by Pru's unnecessary violence, Jesse cleans up the crime scene by shooting everyone else except for the heiress and Hazel (Bella Thorne), who is concealed in her box.
This gripping scene was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its unique desert landscapes that provide a perfect backdrop for the tense and dramatic events unfolding within the van. The interior shots of the van bring the viewer up close to the characters, heightening the sense of suspense and danger.
Although there isn't a specific location for the studio or filming backdrops, fans of the film can visit Albuquerque to experience the same atmosphere. This city is widely acknowledged as one of the most culturally diverse in the nation. Its remarkable blend of cultures is beautifully showcased through its captivating architecture, inspiring artwork, vibrant cultural centers, and delectable cuisine. The daily customs and traditions make Albuquerque the cultural capital of the Southwest.
To reach Albuquerque, New Mexico, you can fly into Albuquerque International Sunport, which numerous airlines serve. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to explore the city and its surroundings.
Hazel makes her way through the desert scene in Big Sky
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hazel (Bella Thorne) navigates her way through the vast desert landscape. She sets small goals for herself, such as reaching one cactus after another, to keep moving forward. The dusty weather disrupts her prescription routine, forcing her to abandon some of them when they become too dirty to consume. Amidst the harsh conditions, she hallucinates the ghost of her dead sister, whom she couldn't save from a drowning accident.
This scene is a testament to Hazel's struggle with her fears and the haunting past, adding depth to her character. The barren desert surroundings and Hazel's internal turmoil create an intense and emotionally charged atmosphere.
The desert and home scenes were filmed in Toronto, Ontario. Toronto offers many attractions that can help viewers immerse themselves in the movie's ambiance. One such place is the African Lion Safari Park, where visitors can experience the thrill of seeing African lions up close. This safari park is an ideal spot to recapture the sense of adventure and challenge Hazel faces in the desert. Visitors can explore the safari park either by bus or by driving through it themselves.
To reach Toronto, Ontario, travelers can fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport, which is well-connected with major cities worldwide. They can hire a car or use public transportation to reach the city center. The African Lion Safari Park is about an hour's drive from downtown Toronto, making it an accessible day trip for those looking to experience a piece of the Big Sky setting.
Conclusion
The filming locations for Big Sky served as pivotal backdrops that added depth and authenticity to the gripping storyline. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with its diverse urban landscapes and bustling cityscapes, provided a compelling contrast to the vast wilderness depicted in the film. The city's dynamic energy seamlessly merged with the tension-filled narrative, creating a visually striking experience for viewers.
On the other hand, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, with its rugged terrain and dramatic desert vistas, added an unmistakable layer of suspense to the film's atmosphere. Albuquerque's arid landscapes and remote locales mirrored the isolation and peril faced by the characters, intensifying the sense of unease throughout the movie.
These two distinct filming locations, Toronto and Albuquerque, shaped the overall tone and visual impact of Big Sky. They lent authenticity to the narrative, captivating audiences with their unique and contrasting landscapes. Together, these locations underscored the film's exploration of vulnerability and danger, making Big Sky a memorable cinematic experience.