Chilling Drama "Islands" Starring Sam Riley and Directed by Jan-Ole Gerster
"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an additional perk"
Fans can't wait for the twisted tale of Fuerteventura to hit the big screen!
After the success of "Oh Boy" (2012) and "Lara" (2019), Jan-Ole Gerster unleashes a gripping new cinematic adventure - "Islands". The film, starring Sam Riley as a troubled tennis coach, shines a dark and intriguing light on a luxurious island resort.
This time around, Riley is a lonely maestro frozen in a seemingly glamorous life on Fuerteventura, Spain. His character, Tom, soon finds himself tangled in the bizarre disappearance of a guest under peculiar circumstances. With three Lola nominations at the German Film Awards, "Islands" promises to be an unforgettable journey.
In an exclusive exchange with ntv.de, Gerster and Riley revealed the fascinating story behind their Fuerteventura escapade, the fate of the central character, and Dascha Dauenhauer's haunting score.
ntv.de: Sam, you ever vacation on the Canary Islands before "Islands" shoot?
Sam Riley: My grandparents retired on Tenerife, but I only visited when I was 12. The Fuerteventura shoot was magical, and the weather lit up my spirits. Despite my love for sunny climes, I grew up in England, where holidays meant an hour's drive to the coast in Yorkshire. After eight weeks in the sun, however, I shared Tom's fatigue, longing for a winter coat and a brisk walk around Schlachtensee with a scarf.
Jan-Ole, "Islands" conception on Fuerteventura?
Jan-Ole Gerster: The island's captivating beauty and slightly dated tourist vibe caught my eye immediately. I observed a tennis coach on my hotel balcony, intrigued by his mundane existence in the sun-soaked paradise. I fell in love with his story and transformed it into "Islands".
Skip the conversation with the coach, got it?
Gerster: Indeed, I had a brief chat but focused on his loneliness and sense of being trapped. Tom's character embodies running from something, escaping into alcohol, affairs, yet never truly finding the break he desires.
Sam, the role appeal?
Riley: The Fuerteventura setting sounded like a merry holiday, but the script and character drew me in. Playing Tom - a complex, intriguing blend of contradictions - was a dream role. And as an actor, a part in every scene means twice the entertainment!
True story, you're far from a lonely man in real life.
Riley: True. Tom shares some traits with his Dave counterpart - happiness elusive, grasping for more. The longing for greener grass is a common adulthood woe, regardless of wealth or happiness.
Feeling that way yourself?
Riley: Not lately, but life's mysterious twists will have their way. I try to embrace the present moment and look at it in context. As an actor, I often yearn for others' careers, which fuel my passion for reality TV.
Collaboration between Gerster and Riley?
Gerster: My fervor for Sam's portrayal of Ian Curtis in "Control" ignited our collaboration. Despite initial interest from other actors, Sam outshone them after a series of meetings and even a friendly game of tennis.
Finally, the music! "Islands" has a haunting score composed by Dascha Dauenhauer
Gerster: I've long admired English dialogue and the film's multinational cast provided neutral ground for all involved. The script was written in a unique form of "European English," reflecting a blend of participants' abilities. The finished product plays a dark, noir-esque crime genre, with a complex Tom at its core.
Stay tuned for more updates on "Islands" as it hits theaters soon! In the meantime, dwell in the eerie beauty of Dascha Dauenhauer's spellbinding soundtrack.
- "The European Union and the United States may soon have a new addition to their shared entertainment, as the gripping and mysterious film 'Islands' hails from both the United States, where its script was written, and the stunning location of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Spain."
- "The islands of Fuerteventura, renowned for their beauty, were not only the backdrop for the movie 'Islands,' but also provided inspiration for the film's conception, as director Jan-Ole Gerster was captivated by the island's slightly dated tourist vibe."
- "In the upcoming movie 'Islands,' the plot revolves around the misfortunes of a troubled tennis coach, portrayed by Sam Riley, who finds himself entangled in a bizarre disappearance while residing on a luxurious island resort."
- "The movie 'Islands,' which promises to deliver an unforgettable journey with three Lola nominations at the German Film Awards, has a haunting score composed by Dascha Dauenhauer, contributing to the film's noir-esque crime genre atmosphere."
