Islands

The film aims to dive into the deep sea of emotions, offering a psychological portrait of a man adrift-without goals or direction-set against an otherwise idyllic landscape. As he finally gets confronted by his past, the story presents him with a chance to change his life.

*** However, in the end, the film fails to fully deliver. While the cinematography is solid and captures the beauty of its setting, it isn't enough to compensate for the script's inconsistencies and narrative leaps. The film treats its viewers as smart enough to understand what is implied by the script but most crucially, it struggles to forge a real connection between the audience and its main characters. Just when it feels like something significant is about to happen, the momentum deflates, creating a persistent sense of detachment.

*** The final result feels like a missed opportunity. While Islands had the potential to be a compelling character study, it ultimately leaves a bitter aftertaste, making one question whether the two-hour runtime was truly worthwhile.

Currently, the film holds a rating of 6.7 which is quite fair. It is a solid drama which unfortunately is marketed as some kind of psychological crime thriller which clearly it is not. It is more a drama about your purpose in life and the thriller elements used are a means to cause disruption of the protagonist's every day life. The cinematography looks great, the actors are all delivering very convincingly. I read a review where someone regards even the supporting cast such as the local police man as very memorable - and I do agree.

Coming back to the beginning: The marketing of the movie feels misleading and it is unfortunate because the setting and idea of the plot is quite interesting and unique. A good drama for a calm evening that keeps you thinking about your life afterwards.

In my opinion, the film has an open ending. After watching the film, the viewer should definitely read an analysis about the film. Many of the songs are beautiful from a distance, but not when you get close, just like a beautiful island that can be like a cage for Tom. In my opinion, this film was more beautiful in the drama and romance genre than in the crime genre.

"Islands" thrives in ambiguity. Beneath the sun-drenched frames and the languid pacing lies a noir-like tension, where intimacy feels transactional and family bonds seem almost performative. The subtext hints that Tom is less a lover and more a surrogate, raising questions of paternity and control. It's a study in projection, repression, and the unsettling space between desire and manipulation cinema that lingers like a half-remembered dream.

Tom (Sam Riley) is the tennis coach at a sun seekers hotel in the Canary Islands. He lives his slight existence drinking and sleeping with guests. One day he befriends the young Maguire family, Dave (Jack Farthing) and Anne (Stacy Martin) and their young son Anton and takes them around the island. He also feels he recognises Anne, but it is decided this is probably down to some bad television she once appeared in. After the day out Dave wants to go clubbing with Tom, who reluctantly goes along but next day Dave is missing and when they find his clothes and his wallet, the police become suspicious of Anne and Tom.

Slow paced it might be, but this somewhat existential drama is never less than completely engrossing as it considers Tom's true loneliness and isolation as his never changing life of drink, sex and tennis catches up with him. Tom's character, nicely and sympathetically played by Riley remains interesting throughout, indeed you can't take your eyes off him as he becomes increasingly involved in what could be a murder - maybe, maybe not - are these clues or red herrings?