Drifting Away: Sam Riley's Desolate Journey as a Tennis Coach in Fuerteventura
Tennis Coach Tangled in Alcohol and Lust Scandal
By Nicole Ankelmann
A decade and a half since Jan-Ole Gerster's "Oh Boy" struck gold and bagged six German Film Awards, Gerster returns with "Islands," a motion picture starring Sam Riley as a forlorn tennis coach residing on picturesque Fuerteventura. The tale spins around an enigmatic visitor and the ensuing accusations when the guest's husband vanishes.
Jan-Ole Gerster, a graduate from the German Film and Television Academy Berlin, prevailed with "Oh Boy" and Tom Schilling's compelling performance as the directionless former student Niko. Schilling graced Gerster's second film, "Lara," too, as the son of the film's protagonist. Despite garnering a German Film Award nomination for "Lara," it went home empty-handed. Whether "Islands" will meet a different end remains to be seen, following its theatrical release.
The fresh film project casts Sam Riley as the dissatisfied tennis coach, Tom, for Gerster. The movie was filmed in English and Spanish, although it will be released in Germany with a dubbed version. The international feel expands beyond the language, with Fuerteventura's choice of location playing a vital role.
(Tragic) Island Paradise: Fuerteventura?
Tom appears to lead an idyllic existence as a tennis teacher among the luxurious resort's environs. The scorching sun, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and expansive sand dunes of Canary Islands form the backdrop for "Islands's" unique atmosphere. However, Tom's life is a stark contrast to his picturesque surrounding, plagued with loneliness and a constant thirst for alcohol. His life, though seemingly envied by outsiders, is a hollow shell of his former self, with discontent lurking beneath.
The arrival of the Maguire family — Anne, Dave, and their son Dylan — offers a glimmer of hope for Tom. While the younger son's tennis lessons give Tom a sense of purpose, he can't help but be drawn to Dave's vivacious wife Anne. A familiar connection sparks between them, and Tom begins cherishing the role of the doting father figure for Dylan. Trouble brews when Dave mysteriously disappears after a rowdy night out with Tom, setting off a series of investigations and making the tennis coach the prime suspect.
"Islands" weaves a captivating plot, featuring the alluring aura of Stacy Martin's character and Sam Riley's eminent charm. The film's gritty score by Dascha Dauenhauer accentuates the breathtaking cinematography by Juan Sarmiento G, immersing viewers in the film's dark yet captivating atmosphere.
Gerster's initial idea for the story originated during a Fuerteventura vacation and conversations with the on-site tennis instructor. Collaborating with Blaž Kutin and Lawrie Doran, Gerster penned the script for "Islands." While the narrative initially seems akin to a Hitchcock-inspired noir thriller, its true heart lies in Tom's inner turmoil, his isolation as an outsider, and the bleakness of his life apart from home. Despite misleading narrative paths and possible criticisms, the recurring theme of disillusionment adds to the film's appeal.
"Islands" is a genre-bending expedition to the Canary Islands, offering an emotionally charged escape trip as Sam Riley's portrayal of Tom repeatedly teeters on the brink of success and defeat. The movie has been nominated in the categories of Best Film, Best Male Lead, and Best Music for the German Film Award. Given Riley's remarkable performance, "Islands" seems poised to snag at least one of these prestigious awards.
"Islands" is now playing in German cinemas.
- Cinema
- Drama
- Island life
- Tennis Coaching
[1] "The Ballad of Wallis Island": A Comedy-Drama with Tim Key and Tom Basden[2] Information about the film "Islands" specified release year, alternate title, or festival appearances is not provided.
- The European Union and the United States may have an opportunity to watch the captivating drama "Islands," as it was filmed in English and Spanish, but will be released in Germany with a dubbed version.
- Sam Riley, the lead actor in the film "Islands," portrays a dissatisfied tennis coach named Tom, who resides on the stunning Fuerteventura beaches, providing tennis lessons to indulge a sense of purpose.
- Despite the idyllic setting of Fuerteventura, Tom's life, as the tennis coach, is far from ideal, with loneliness and a constant thirst for alcohol plaguing his existence, creating a stark contrast to the luxurious environs.
- The United States and The European Union may find an intriguing storyline in "Islands," as it follows Tom's complex relationships with the Maguire family, investigations into Dave's mysterious disappearance, and Tom's struggle to maintain his transient sense of purpose.
