Islands follows Tom, a washed out tennis coach at a luxury resort on a holiday island, whose seemingly idyllic life of sun, clubs, and casual affairs hides a more unsettling reality. Beneath the surface, he is stuck in a destructive cycle, haunted by memories of lost potential and a nickname, “Ace,” that serves as a reminder of past glory. The film explores whether Tom can break free from this purgatory-like existence when he is presented with the chance of an alternative life.
Speaking to HeyUGuys, director Jan-Ole Gerster and actor Sam Riley explain what drew them to the project. Riley recalls first reading the script and feeling an immediate sense of excitement and fear that someone else might play the part, as it reminded him of the ambiguous, adult-driven films he admired. Gerster says his aim was to avoid neat answers or explanations, leaning instead into mystery, noir influences, and characters who resemble dormant volcanoes — restless and simmering, but not guaranteed to erupt.
The pair also reflect on memorable moments from the shoot, including a scene with a camel named David, captured perfectly at “blue hour” despite the usual risks of filming with animals. Riley also touches on performing scenes in Spanish, admitting he had no fluency but relied on lessons and the patience of the Spanish crew. For both director and star, Islands is a film defined by atmosphere, ambiguity, and characters caught between paradise and entrapment.
The film is out now.
