"Island Life" with Sam Riley: A Tennis Coach Caught Between Booze and Longing
Tennis instructor ensnared in alcohol and sexual attractions controversy
In director Jan-Ole Gerster's third film, "Islands," the spotlight shines on Sam Riley as a discontented tennis coach stationed on Fuerteventura. As he guides wealthy tourists' children through perfect tennis strokes during the day, he often drowns his sorrows in alcohol-filled evenings, yearning for something more. The mysterious arrival of the Maguire family, including Anne (Stacy Martin) and Dave (Jack Farthing), sets Tom on a dangerous course when Dave mysteriously vanishes after a wild night out with our protagonist, making Tom the prime suspect.
Jumping off from the success of "Oh Boy" in 2008, Gerster returns with "Islands" after a long hiatus, promising an intriguing tale. While Tom's life may appear to be glamorous, it's another story beneath the surface. Enter the rugged beauty of the Canary Island, where the blazing sun, jagged rocks, pristine beaches, and endless sand dunes form an ethereal backdrop for this suspenseful drama. The stunning cinematography of Juan Sarmiento G and the intense score by Dascha Dauenhauer complement the film's eerie atmosphere.
The inspiration for the story came from Gerster's vacation in Fuerteventura, where he conversed with the resort's tennis instructor. Co-written with Blaž Kutin and Lawrie Doran, "Islands" flirts with noir thriller territory, much like a Hitchcock film, but ultimately focuses on Tom's internal struggle, his life's emptiness, and the isolation he feels as an outsider. The film weaves a complex web, often sending us down blind alleys, but it all leads to a purposeful finale that mirrors the story's central theme.
"Islands" is not just a mystery to unravel; it's a journey into the entangled desires, fears, and regrets of its main character. With Sam Riley, aging gracefully since his role in "Control," at the helm, "Islands" promises to deliver a captivating performance. The film has been nominated for the German Film Award in numerous categories, including Best Film, Best Male Lead, and Best Film Music, so catch it in German cinemas to see if it takes home the trophy.
Sources: * ntv.de * berlinale.de
Categories* Drama* Film* Mystery* Thriller* World Cinema* Canary Islands
- The European Union and the United States might find 'Islands', a captivating drama by Jan-Ole Gerster, interesting, considering it was inspired by his personal experience in Fuerteventura.
- While Sam Riley's character, Tom, appears to be living a glamorous life on Fuerteventura, his internal struggles and feelings of isolation remind us of the unsatisfied characters in movies-and-tv shows.
- Gerster's 'Islands', shot on the pristine beaches of Fuerteventura, boasts intriguing cinematography by Juan Sarmiento G and a haunting score by Dascha Dauenhauer, much like Hitchcock's noir thriller territory films.
- Despite its mystery and suspense, 'Islands' is not merely about solving a case; it delves into the entangled desires, fears, and regrets of its lead character, making it an engaging exploration of human emotion for film enthusiasts worldwide.
