Island of Lost Girls

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.

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!

I absolutely LOVED this film! My family and I were on the edge of our seats the entire movie. The Island of Lost Girls is an absolute triumph, a mesmerizing blend of adventure, mystery, and emotional depth that pulls you in from the very first frame. Directed with an impeccable sense of atmosphere and pacing, the film takes viewers on a journey to a secluded island that is both haunting and captivating.

What truly sets Island of Lost Girls apart is its ability to mix tension with moments of profound beauty. The cinematography is nothing short of stunning, capturing both the raw, untamed power of nature and the vulnerability of the characters with equal grace. Every shot feels purposeful, and the island itself becomes a living, breathing entity that adds layers to the film. The cast brings their characters to life with nuance and authenticity, making you care deeply about their fates. The chemistry between the girls, who are thrust into an increasingly perilous situation, is both believable and heartwarming. You feel their fear, their hope, and their growth throughout the film.

But perhaps the film's greatest strength lies in its storytelling. With unexpected twists and an intelligent narrative that never panders to the audience, Island of Lost Girls* keeps you on the edge of your seat, always questioning what comes next. It's a story about survival, self-discovery, and the bonds we form when faced with the impossible.

ADDITIONALLY, The bad reviews are all coming from people who have no sense of creativity or fun in their bones. This is CLEARLY a childrens movie so of course not every scene will be accurate. (for example the people not hearing the girls screaming off the shore). People need to realize almost every movie you see can be exaggerated to fit the plot. These same people also need to consider this film is made entirely funded by one family, its not a big company. Anyways, if you are considering watching this movie PLEASE DO IT. It is 1000% worth your time and will leave you feeling a sense if hope.

Island of Lost Girls is a cinematic gem, one that combines thrilling suspense with poignant storytelling. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you reflecting on its themes and the unforgettable journey of its characters. A must-see for anyone who loves films that challenge, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.

...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.

First off, I have to give Kudos to the director, screen writer, and actors. About 20 min into the movie I said - this film seems like it was written, directed, and filmed by these 3 girls - Turns out I was almost 100% correct. I my whole family enjoyed the film. My two youngest kids, 5 and 7 did find it to be intense at times and they were so drawn into the lives of the characters that they were legitimately concerned for the girls safety. This would be such a hard film to make. Working with young actors on the water and in the wild would be so difficult. The movie despite being a bit cheesy at times was still well done. Kudos tot he actors and the Schmidt family has our full support. Hoping that producing this film didn't break them and make them not want to produce any more as Im sure towards the end it become a labor of love. Thanks for making something that the whole family could sit down and watch.