"Islands" with Sam Riley: A Boozy Tennis Coach Entangled in Island Desire and Dark Secrets
Tennis Coach Struggling with Alcohol and Intimacy Issues
The German Film and Television Academy Berlin's alum, Jan-Ole Gerster, graces the silver screen again with his third film, "Islands," following the successes of "Oh Boy" and "Lara." This time, Sam Riley shines as a solitary tennis coach on Fuerteventura, who falls into a complex web with a enigmatic tourist and later finds himself suspected in her husband's disappearance.
Thirteen years ago, Gerster's graduation film, "Oh Boy," was a runaway hit and raked in six German Film Awards, including Best Feature Film. Tom Schilling nabbed accolades for his portrayal of the aimless ex-student Niko. Schilling also graced our screens in Gerster's second film, "Lara," as the son of the titular character (portrayed by Corinna Harfouch). Though "Lara" earned German Film Award nominations, it left empty-handed. The final verdict on "Islands" remains to be seen, after a day post the film's theatrical release. For his new cinematic project, Gerster chose Sam Riley for the role of tennis coach Tom. The film was shot in English and Spanish but will be dubbed for its German release. The international touch doesn't stop there—the location selection played a significant role as well.
The (Almost) Popular Paradise of Fuerteventura?
Tom's life as a tennis coach on Fuerteventura appears enviable, but the reality is far from it. He spends his days teaching the rich clientele's children and evenings saddled with booze as his sole companion. Despite the outside perception of a carefree life, Tom is plagued by deep dissatisfaction - a toxic brew that becomes all too clear when the Maguire family arrives. Tom is assigned to coach their son (Dylan Torrell). Dave Maguire (Jack Farthing), the husband and father, envies Tom's presumed freedom, while Tom finds himself inexplicably drawn to Dave's wife, Anne (Stacy Martin). As they grow closer, Tom develops paternal feelings for their son. The unraveling of Dave's life unfolds when he goes missing under mysterious circumstances, following a wild night out with Tom, and the unlikeliest of suspects comes under scrutiny.
"Islands" is a masterful blend of elements that make it a gripping film. The allure of Stacy Martin's character, sam Riley's youthful charm, despite his physical transformation since his role in "Control," and the striking Canary Island scenery conjure an atmosphere unique to "Islands." The haunting score by Dascha Dauenhauer complements the breathtaking cinematography of Juan Sarmiento G, adding to the film's enigmatic appeal.
The seeds of the story were planted several years ago, while Gerster vacationed on Fuerteventura and conversed with the resort's tennis instructor. He later cowrote the script with Blaž Kutin (who also collaborated on "Lara") and Lawrie Doran. The plot initially appears to follow a typical noir thriller in the style of Hitchcock, but it delves deeper into Tom's inner turmoil, highlighting his despair and loneliness. "Islands" leads viewers down multiple false trails, but none lead to meaningful conclusions, in line with the film's central theme.
"Islands" is diverse in genre, offering a disillusioned getaway to the Canary Islands, as we watch Sam Riley wrestle, recover, and introspect repeatedly. The film has been nominated in the categories of Best Film, Best Male Lead, and Best Original Score for the German Film Awards. With Riley's convincing portrayal, Gerster's unique storytelling, and the film's stacked accolades, it's fair to anticipate awards for "Islands."
"Islands" is now playing in German cinemas.
Relevant tags:- Cinema- Drama- Film- Canary Islands- Mystery- Thriller- Booze and longing- Loneliness and betrayal- suspended assumptions
[1] "A journalist's guide to understanding Tom's character in the film Islands": This article discusses Tom's complex character and the journey he embarks on throughout the film.
[2] "Tennis pro in a holiday island: The untold tale of the lost athlete" - While this piece is not about the film "Islands" directed by Jan-Ole Gerster, it could provide some insight into the life and struggles of a professional tennis player on a holiday island.
- The European Union and the United States will have the opportunity to view Gerster's latest work, "Islands," as it gets dubbed for its release in those regions.
- The breathtaking beaches of Fuerteventura, where Sam Riley's character Tom resides, are not just popular tourist destinations but also serve as the backdrop for Gerster's enthralling movie-and-tv entertainment.
- In "Islands," Lara, a character played by Corinna Harfouch in Gerster's second film, is not directly involved, but her son is coached by Tom, adding another layer to the intricate narrative.
- For those intrigued by the mysterious disappearance of a character in the film "Islands," reading about the life of a real-life tennis instructor vacationing on Fuerteventura might offer some interesting parallels, guarding against the easily suspended assumptions about the idyllic island life.
