Island (2011)

Island: Directed by Elizabeth Mitchell, Brek Taylor. With Natalie Press, Colin Morgan, Janet McTeer, Tanya Franks. Based on Jane Rogers’ acclaimed novel, “Island” is a tale of yearning and retribution. Consumed by thoughts of revenge, Nikki Black goes to a remote island to seek out the mother (Janet McTeer,) who abandoned her at birth.

“Itu0026#39;s very difficult to see a film these days without being bombarded with spoilers. Well, Iu0026#39;m giving nothing away here, other than to say that itu0026#39;s based on Jane Rogersu0026#39; acclaimed novel of the same name and is highly recommended viewing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe story is told slowly and is not just drenched in atmosphere but positively dripping with it. Bleak, blustery and poignant, there are four main players – Natalie Press and Nikki Black, Colin Morgan as Calum, Janet McTeer as Phyllis and the titular island itself. Rolling and rocky, dotted with Calumu0026#39;s dens festooned with items heu0026#39;s collected (u0026quot;Youu0026#39;re like a magpie,u0026quot; Nikki says at one point). It is beautifully filmed but bitingly cold to look at.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePhyllisu0026#39; home may be more heated, but there is little warmth there; secrets, isolation and fearsome independence despite a gloomy future. The friendship that grows between Calum and Nikki is steady charming – but can it survive? The stories that they share betray a real connection, and her illustrations take on a new poignancy during the end credits – look out for them.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBe prepared for a slow-burner, but one that draws you in and keeps you there until the story decides to end leaving you to wonder … what next? My score is 7 out of 10.”