While browsing for something new to watch, I came across "The Isle", a cool fantasy/thriller from 2018 that I had not heard of before. The description had the words "shipwreck", "island" and "mysterious" in it, so I knew this film was probably for me.
Director Matthew Butler-Hart weaves a well made, well acted folk tale that is definitely a slow burn, but that benefits from the restraint that it shows. Butler-Hart co-wrote the screenplay with his partner, Tori Butler-Hart who also acts in the film.
In the middle of the 19th century, three sailors, Oliver, Jim and Cailean wash up on an uncharted island. (This opening alone had me hooked as I am a sucker for 'mysterious island' films). They almost immediately run into Fingal MacLeod, who offers them food and shelter, but from the get-go, it becomes clear that something is a little "off". This becomes more apparent when Fingal brings the three men a farmstead owned by Douglas Innis. Let's just say that Douglas is less than thrilled to have house guests, but he soon seems to warm up a bit. There are also two women on the island, Lanthe and Korrigan and their odd behavior only adds to the sense of dread, and the feeling that something is very, very wrong on this island.
Over the course of several days, we're part of a nightmare, but one that is very subtle. As I mentioned, there's an ever present sense of gloom and dread, and we're never quite sure exactly what's happening or what we are seeing. I love this kind of movie. One that is not constantly slamming us with cheap jump scares and relentless gore. In fact, I think I could have actually used a stronger scare or two, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment of the film.
Director Matthew Butler-Hart weaves a well made, well acted folk tale that is definitely a slow burn, but that benefits from the restraint that it shows. Butler-Hart co-wrote the screenplay with his partner, Tori Butler-Hart who also acts in the film.
In the middle of the 19th century, three sailors, Oliver, Jim and Cailean wash up on an uncharted island. (This opening alone had me hooked as I am a sucker for 'mysterious island' films). They almost immediately run into Fingal MacLeod, who offers them food and shelter, but from the get-go, it becomes clear that something is a little "off". This becomes more apparent when Fingal brings the three men a farmstead owned by Douglas Innis. Let's just say that Douglas is less than thrilled to have house guests, but he soon seems to warm up a bit. There are also two women on the island, Lanthe and Korrigan and their odd behavior only adds to the sense of dread, and the feeling that something is very, very wrong on this island.
Over the course of several days, we're part of a nightmare, but one that is very subtle. As I mentioned, there's an ever present sense of gloom and dread, and we're never quite sure exactly what's happening or what we are seeing. I love this kind of movie. One that is not constantly slamming us with cheap jump scares and relentless gore. In fact, I think I could have actually used a stronger scare or two, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment of the film.
The cinematography and use of sound in this film are excellent, and it is very well acted. The story also makes excellent use of different elements, especially Greek mythology and Scottish folklore.
Again, I need to make it very clear that this is not a "scary" movie in the true sense of the word. If I had to compare it to something I would say it reminds me of "The Witch" in it's tone and it's sense of fear and isolation. This is my kind of film though as I have always been interested in tales of shipwrecked sailors or old folktales and that is probably why I enjoyed "The Isle" so much.
I'm glad I ran across this little gem and I highly recommend it!
Again, I need to make it very clear that this is not a "scary" movie in the true sense of the word. If I had to compare it to something I would say it reminds me of "The Witch" in it's tone and it's sense of fear and isolation. This is my kind of film though as I have always been interested in tales of shipwrecked sailors or old folktales and that is probably why I enjoyed "The Isle" so much.
I'm glad I ran across this little gem and I highly recommend it!
Horror Nerd's Rating: 4 BROKEN EYEGLASSES!!
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