Island of Lost Girls

I was surprised by how good this movie was. My whole family including my wife, two 8 yr old girls and 6 yr old son were completely drawn into this film. We remarked early on that the cinematography and sound work seemed really creative. The nature scenes seemed out of National Geographic as well. There were points where we were laughing and points we were crying. I thought all 3 young actresses did a phenomenal job. Was legitimately shocked at the end to find out that this was a family production. I think it was much better than some (most) professional productions I've seen lately. A poignant family story with some style. Don't really understand some of these negative reviews - they read like they were written by some very unhappy, negative people. The movie did drag on a bit but my kids were into it the whole time which is saying something. We loved it overall.

I love Island of the Lost Girls! Its captivating storyline, outstanding performances by young actresses who fearlessly handle their own stunts and breathtaking cinematography on a remote island make it a must-see family thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The storyline follows three young sisters who accidentally become stranded on a remote island, battling nature's dangers and wildlife as they strive to stay together and survive a thrilling, unplanned adventure.

I like the originality of the storyline, which engaged me throughout. The girls' resilience in the face of challenges adds depth to the narrative. The only drawback is that the film runs a bit long which makes it difficult to maintain its intensity. The cinematography completely immerses the audience in a captivating world with breathtaking shots that showcase the remote island's wild beauty and close-ups that intensify emotional moments, such as the sisters' struggles. The camera effectively captures encounters with wildlife, like sea lions and elephant seals, which adds to the film's tension. Dynamic camera angles within the sea cave enhance the sense of adventure and danger. The costumes suit the storyline perfectly - given the girls being stranded on a remote island, they primarily wear wet bathing suits throughout the film. The remote island off the coast of Baja, California, serves as a breathtaking and immersive setting with its rugged coastline, sea caves and natural wildlife, such as sea lions and elephant seals; it creates a sense of realism that enhances the adventure and peril of the girls' journey. One standout location is the sea cave, which becomes the story's central element of tension and wonder. The dark, labyrinthine passages of the cave, illuminated by natural light, add a sense of mystery and danger. The background music, featured music, and sound effects enhance the film's storytelling. Notably, the music intensifies during critical moments, such as when the girls face danger or navigate treacherous waters, effectively building tension. The natural sounds of the sea, waves and wildlife make the audience feel intimately connected to the characters and their struggle for survival. The central characters are portrayed by real-life sisters Autumn Schmidt, Avila Schmidt and Scarlet Schmidt. The sisters are carefree and adventurous at the start, embarking on a fun day at the beach. However, their characters transform significantly as the story unfolds, and they become stranded on the remote island. They evolve from carefree individuals into determined and resourceful young girls who have to rely on one another to survive. Each sister faces personal challenges and fears, and their growth is evident in their ability to confront and conquer these obstacles. This film benefits significantly from the collaborative efforts of the filmmaker family, with parents Ann-Marie Schmidt and Brian Schmidt directing and co-writing the film alongside their daughter Avila Schmidt. Their combined talents result in a cohesive and emotionally engaging narrative, and excellent performances by their daughters, Autumn, Avila, and Scarlet. My favorite part is when the girls dare to escape from their house to sneak to the beach. This scene captures their adventurous spirit and sets the tone for the entire film. It's a moment filled with excitement and anticipation as the sisters embark on what they believe will be a carefree day of fun. The scene effectively establishes their characters and close bond, making it a memorable and engaging start to their remarkable journey.

The film's message is about the strength of family bonds and the ability to adapt and grow in the face of adversity. It highlights the power of unity and determination and the importance of facing challenges together. It conveys that, even in the most challenging situations, the support and love of family can help individuals overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Note that the film does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate. The girls perform dangerous stunts and engage in water activities that require caution and expertise.

I give Island of the Lost Girls 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It is available on VOD and DVD October 3, 2023. So look for it! By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!

If you want to watch a movie where the storyline is absurd and you spend about an hour watching three little girls get into the most ridiculous predicaments back to back then this trainwreck is your movie. My youngest daughter got so scared she ran out of the room. I have four daughters and they all agree it's just absurd.

If the attempt was to make a feel-good movie about sisterhood they failed at that too. The far majority of the dialogue is three little girls screaming.

Each challenge these three face (including several near-drowning moments) are nerve-racking and quite disturbing considering the main acresses are kids.

...I had to for this one. It's really terrible. I mean, again, I've never cared about writing reviews until this one. I legit think the kids were at risk during this filming. I'm positive that in one of the scenes when the kid gets hit by a boogie board in back of the head, she actually got hit by the boogie board! The look on the little kids face was not acting, she was legit scared! This movie is not only terrible in the story telling but these kids were actually put in dangerous situations. I'm getting my money back. It feels gross to support how these directors were so desperate to make their movie that they put innocent kids in absurd situations. Also, they probably didn't even have permission to film at these locations.

As an adult I kept having to remind myself that this is a fantasy. Filmed in La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and Sea Caves, and Anacapa Island. What would jar me occasionally were things like an East Coast Blue Crab on the beach in La Jolla Shores, or three girls drifting 100 miles to Anacapa Island. Parents at La Jolla Shores ignoring a surf board with three small girls drifting offshore. But then I would remind myself that this was a family production of a fantasy, and then the scale of the endeavor would hit me. A book, a story, a movie, all produced and acted by one family, and I would be amazed again.