The subject is timeless and difficult to express, as so many have tried throughout history. Tanya is torn between her own strength and weakness. On the one hand, she needs to be independent, making her own decisions. On the other, she needs to feel secure and not threatened by her choices. She wants to be a creative helper in her boyfriend's painting, and doesn't want to be excluded, shunned or dominated. When he treats her badly, she explores a different relationship, something more beastly. Initially, the beast is exactly what she wants. As things change, she finds he's as much of a beast as her boyfriend is. I don't think she found what she wanted, but, to everybody's disappointment, she did find she can change her mind.
The forum is renewed from the likes of "King Kong" and "Beauty and the Beast", but depicts a darker side with surreal graphic violence. Her obvious beauty and the simplistic tropical setting set the positive tone very well. Choppy, cluttered, and confused filming sets the negative tone equally well. The unrealistic dream is reinforced by the notable absence of all Robinson Crusoe hardships. Only interpersonal conflicts exist. Between Tanya and each of the males, conflicts are materialized with sexual situations. Conflicts between the males are even more adolescent, with the full spectrum of chest beating, coconut throwing, sling shots and trapping each other in cages. The only winner is the viewer, and only if they don't object to the B-movie feel.
I found it hilariously entertaining, yet disturbing. It makes me reconsider my concept of what being a woman is.
