Marooned Awakening

Guernsey was the location for all of the filming for this atmospheric thriller and the camera captures it beautifully. There are so many shots of the island, both by itself and as a backdrop to the actors, that the island itself becomes a character in the film as was, no doubt, intended as part of the narrative.

The storytellers have given this film an easy and gentle pace which allows the viewer to appreciate the scenes fully as they unfold against the beautiful landscape which is then enhanced by the use of black and white during some of the scenes to contrast with the full colour of other shots.

This is a great story that on a bigger budget could have shone on the largest of stages. But when reviewing a film I don't deduct points. This is big. The story is compelling and intriguing. So relatable yet so unique. The performances of the key cast is what sticks with you. It is refreshing to see believable performances that don't feel pressured towards melodrama. I believed every word and I disagree that there is any wooden feel. Perhaps it's a cultural thing? But I believed every word and every expression. There are some bigger names in this, including mcinnerny. And Keeper should be noted for arguably her greatest performance to date. It is cameron ashplant and Murray mcarthur who stick in my mind though. I've watched it twice now and each time the nuances that shine through are impressive. I look forward to following their work. No film is perfect but the acting, writing and music are all fantastic. There's some unusual creative decisions in how it is shot and presented on screen but who am I to comment on that, it does the job all the same. Pioneering work always trials and tests, and this does that.

Definitely give it a watch, there's nothing else like it and it leaves an imprint on you, like film should do.

Not sure how all the high ratings came about. I gave up on the movie about halfway in. Tedious and boring with the lead character seemingly only capable of speaking in a monotone. The number of scenes where he droned on about not getting enough out of life and talking about leaving the island had me wishing he would just pack his bag and leave the damn island - he wasn't the only one who needed a change of scenery by then. The interaction between him and his father seemed contrived, with first one having an elongated solo outburst or monologue and then the other. Even the fisherman's home somehow didn't quite suit. It was more like the dwelling of a suburban city office couple. I also doubted whether a knife dug out of the sand and lapped by the tide would still have so much obvious blood remaining on the blade after several days. Gave it 2 stars for the scenery shots.

Firstly, I have to agree with Ben B Hunter's review on the acting - it is tremendously realistic, with both Murray McArthur and Cameron Ashplant digging deep to give gut-wrenching performances that will leave you absolutely broken. Their back and forth ferocious arguing is entirely believable. It feels as though the cinematographer has been provided with an invisible cloak, and has walked into a fractured household that is, over the death of a loved one, tearing itself apart.

I really like how the island encapsulates the feeling of being trapped; the protagonist is unable to escape from the past and is constantly toiling with the effects of wanting to build a life for himself away from his alcoholic, and at times abusive, father.

Tilly Keeper of "You" makes an appearance, and proves that she can take on a variety of roles. She is rather different here than her Lady Phoebe character on the popular Netflix series.

In short, this film is a difficult watch, but for all the right reasons, and it's certainly one that deserves the time. It also doesn't outstay it's welcome, with a tight 1 hr 20 mins running time.

It's clearly produced on a budget, but credit to this creative and innovative team for making it work. Can't wait to see more from this cast and crew!