Islands

Jan-Ole Gerster's Islands 2025, a German film screened at Berlinale, isn't aiming for grand cinematic statements, and that's precisely its strength. This psychological drama, co-written by Gerster, Lawrie Doran, and Blaz Kutin, gracefully explores a personality crisis against the backdrop of a Spanish seaside resort, weaving in a criminal subplot and questions of infidelity with impressive subtlety.

The acting in Islands 2025 isn't flashy, but it's remarkably effective. Each performance feels natural and nuanced, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Stacy Martin is particularly captivating, exuding an almost aristocratic air. Her on-screen chemistry with Sam Riley is palpable from their very first scene together, creating a compelling dynamic.

One of the film's most intriguing aspects is its use of unspoken narratives. The past is hinted at, a forgotten event that resurfaces to influence the present, but the details are never explicitly revealed. Gerster masterfully avoids cliché devices like flashbacks or exposition, instead leaving it to the viewer to piece together the fragments and interpret the characters' motivations. This delicate approach is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Minor characters, like the local and federal police officers, and especially a camel, leave a memorable impression, adding to the film's rich tapestry. The visuals and sound design effectively immerse the audience in the setting, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Islands 2025 doesn't pretend to be a masterpiece, but within its chosen scope, it achieves near perfection. Beneath the surface story lies a subtle exploration of exploitation - how we are exploited by others, how we exploit ourselves, and the choices we make in response. This subtext, while understated, adds a layer of depth that lingers after the credits roll. It's a film that stays with you, inviting reflection and interpretation.

Tom is an ex tennis pro now working as a tennis coach for tourists at a hotel resort on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. His seemingly idyllic, dream existence of sun, sea, nightclubs, casual sex, waking up in odd places, camels, and no ties is brought into question after his encounter with a dysfunctional family of three, especially after the disappearance of the father. This 2025 German feature film from director Jan-Ole Gerster (based on his story) is an English language existential psychological drama where Tom's involvement in a family's melodrama seems to provide him with a burst of excitement and life more than anything in his current existence, which he starts to realise is empty, unfulfilled and lonely. Or is it? A film about spiritual ennui.

"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?

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.