The Island – Movie Review
Director: Fernando Trueba
Writer: Rylend Grant, Fernando Trueba (Screenplay)
Cast
- Matt Dillon (Wild Things)
- Aida Folch (The Artist and the Model)
- Juan Pablo Urrego (Memories of My Father)
- Marina Argyropoulou (I Still Hide to Smoke)
Plot: When Alex joins the team of a boutique seaside restaurant, sexual tensions rise as she falls for the enigmatic restaurant manager Max. Blinded by her feelings, the relationship slowly slides into a harrowing tale of survival.
Runtime: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: The Island starts when Alex (Folch) finds herself on a Greek Island working at Max’s (Dillon) restaurant. It leads to the pair getting involved in a romantic relationship as Alex is offered a role year-round. However, Max has some secrets that he keeps from everyone.
Their whirlwind romance becomes much darker as Alex learns that Max has a darker side. However, his charming demeanour makes it easy to calm the situation, as he looks to control their relationship.
Verdict on The Island
The Island is a romantic thriller following a woman trying to start a new life on a Greek island. She meets a restaurant owner who gives her a job before they get romantically involved. However, he has a darker side which starts to come to life.
This movie takes a woman on a new journey that seems perfect before things spiral out of control. It puts her through a controlling relationship, which takes over her life as she looks to escape. The movie struggles to get going and the lack of any chemistry between Aida Folch and Matt Dillon holds the story back. Nothing about the story feels like a whirlwind relationship and his darker secrets never feel as dark as they could be. It also runs over the 2-hour mark and doesn’t do enough with that time to make it feel intense in any way.
Where to Watch
The Island is available on Digital Platforms September 23. Distributed by Signature Entertainment.
Final Thoughts –The Island lacks intensity, chemistry and a driving force.
