Analysis of Visual Effects in David Trueba's "Siempre es invierno"

Published on January 04, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Group of survivors advancing through an extreme snowy landscape with snow particle effects and reflective ice in the foreground, showing the seamless integration between real actors and digital environment.

Visual Effects Analysis in David Trueba's Siempre es invierno

The film Siempre es invierno transports us to a post-apocalyptic setting where the planet is plunged into an eternal winter, following the survival struggle of a group of characters seeking answers in this ice-transformed world ❄️

Construction of the Winter Visual Universe

The visual effects are the fundamental pillar for creating the frigid and desolate atmosphere, employing advanced particle systems and fluid simulations that interact dynamically with the actors and the set, complemented by extensive matte paintings that expand the landscapes beyond the available physical sets.

Techniques Implemented in the Process:
  • Snow and ice accumulation simulations using complex particle dynamics
  • Seamless integration between practical elements and expanded digital environments
  • Development of custom shaders to replicate the physical properties of ice
The visual magic lies in how each digital snowflake interacts with the characters, creating an immersive cinematic experience where the real and the virtual merge

Technical Innovations in the VFX Pipeline

The team implemented specialized computerized shaders to reproduce ice reflectivity and frost patterns on surfaces, combining motion capture with traditional animation to represent movements in extreme conditions, while using global illumination to maintain visual coherence in all scenes.

Production Workflow Details:
  • Rendering with state-of-the-art engines for maximum realism in sequences
  • Combination of performance capture with keyframe animation for characters
  • Maintenance of lighting coherence in winter day and night scenes

Visual Impact on the Narrative

The always-winter world not only functions as a setting but as a narrative character in itself, where each visual effect contributes to the feeling of desolation and struggle for survival, creating a cinematic experience that fully immerses the viewer in this transformed universe 🌨️