Tennis tutor ensnared by alcohol and lust issues
By Nikki Ankleman
Jan-Ole Gerster, a veteran of the German Film and Television Academy Berlin, returns to the silver screen with "Island", where Sam Riley delivers a haunting performance as a downcast tennis coach living among the lavish resorts of Fuerteventura. Sucked into a whirlwind of mystery when a seductive tourist (Stacy Martin) arrives, he soon finds himself at the center of a scandal swirling around the disappearance of her husband (Jack Farthing).
It has been a decade and a half since Gerster stole the show with his dizzying debut, "Oh Boy", racking up six German Film Awards. Notably, Tom Schilling, who played the apathetic protagonist Niko, also made an appearance in Gerster's sophomore effort, "Lara". Although "Lara" gained recognition, it ended the awards season empty-handed. However, only time will tell whether "Islands" will break that trend. This latest cinematic venture sees the 47-year-old Gerster team up with Riley in a melody of English and Spanish dialogue, setting the stage for a truly international production.
(Alter)ego Island Fuerteventura?
Tom is a discordant mess of a character, oscillating between the appearance of a carefree tennis coach and the torment of a man disconnected from his past. Whilst gliding through the day reminding wealthy patrons' kids how to perfect their backhand, he inevitably turns to alcohol to drown his loneliness as night descends. The illusion of a paradise existence masks the unending torment that lies beneath.
Tom's otherwise monotonous facade is constantly tested by the arrival of the Maguire family. Teaching their heir-apparent (Dylan Torrell) becomes a means for Tom to relive his past, indulging in memories of a life he left behind but never truly abandoned. Despite Dave (Jack Farthing) fondly admiring Tom's carefree appearance, the tennis coach himself yearns for the security and laughter that Dave and Anne (Stacy Martin) share. Tensions rise between the unlikely trio, and when Dave vanishes after a catastrophic night of alcohol and hedonism, the suspicions begin to fly. And it isn't just Tom in the line of fire...
"Islands" masterfully intertwines multiple elements, making it an engaging watch from start to finish. Martin's mysterious charm is just one of the factors that make the film stand out, with Riley delivering a compelling portrayal of the brooding, destructive Tom, even after a rough night in the desert. The breathtaking landscapes of Fuerteventura, teeming with blistering sun, rugged rock, white sand, and endless sand dunes, add an enchanting air to "Islands". The evocative score by Dascha Dauenhauer enhances the visual prowess of cinematographer Juan Sarmiento G, making "Islands" a visual feast.
The genesis of the story can be traced back to Gerster’s vacation on Fuerteventura and conversations with the tennis instructor at his resort. Together with collaborators Blaz Kutin and Lawrie Doran, Gerster penned the screenplay, creating a plot that seemingly takes inspiration from the noir thriller pioneered by Hitchcock. However, it ultimately delves deep into Tom’s internal struggle, the bleakness of his isolated existence, and the yearning for the life he abandoned long ago[1]. "Islands" frequently leads the viewer down the wrong path, only to ultimately reveal a bleak and unsatisfying conclusion. This may be perceived as a flaw, but it appearsintentional, given the film's central theme.
"Islands" expertly toes the line between genres, resulting in a captivating and sobering exploration into the high-stakes world of tennis coaching, set against the stark and enchanting backdrop of the Canary Islands. As mentioned earlier, "Islands" courted recognition in the German Film Awards, competing in the Best Film, Best Male Lead, and Best Original Score categories[2]. A win in any of these categories for "Islands" wouldn't be surprising.
"Islands" is now showing in cinemas across Germany.
Genre: Drama, ThrillerSetting: Canary Islands
- The European Union and the United States might find "Islands," a drama-thriller set in the Canary Islands, compelling, given its international collaboration between Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley.
- Gerster, known for his German Film and Television Academy Berlin pedigree, drew inspiration for "Islands" from his own vacation on Fuerteventura, conversations with a local tennis instructor, and the noir thriller genre pioneered by Hitchcock.
- The cast of "Islands" includes Stacy Martin, Jack Farthing, and Sam Riley, whose haunting performance as the downcast tennis coachTom, adds a layer of depth to the intriguing entertainment landscape of movies-and-tv, sports, and tennis.
- Fuerteventura's breathtaking beaches, with their blistering sun, rugged rock, white sand, and endless sand dunes, serve as the picturesque backdrop for "Islands," transforming the cinematic experience into a visual feast.
- "Islands" is currently showing in cinemas across Germany, promising an engaging story that challenges the viewer with its complex characters, gripping suspense, and immersive entertainment experience.
