Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Drinking, drugs, language in slow-burn psycho-drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Islands
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ISLANDS, ex-tennis pro Tom (Sam Riley) works at a holiday resort in Fuertaventura, where he teaches wealthy tourists by day and escapes the drudgery of his life at bars by night. When a new family arrives, wife Anne (Stacy Martin) catches his attention, and he starts to tutor her son, Anton (Dylan Torrell). Soon he's getting involved with the family's hotel stay and excursions, where he's forced to tentatively befriend her husband, Dave (Jack Farthing). But when Dave goes missing, Tom finds himself at the heart of a criminal investigation.
Is It Any Good?
This familiar-feeling psychological drama is given a mysterious, existential twist by German director Jan-Ole Gerster. The movie's plot centers on a crime thriller storyline but, at its heart, Islands is a movie about isolation, monotony, lack of meaning, and a desire for connection. Riley's character in particular feels like he's going through the motions, stuck in what may appear to be paradise, but feels more like a purgatory as he tries to drink and party his way out of it. There are curious motifs, such as a camel who consistently wanders off from its farm, but keeps being brought back to its starting point. It's like a drunken desert mirage that reflects Tom's own feeling of being stuck and an inability to make change. Neither are satisfied with their lives, yet they seem trapped by various forces. Anne, her husband Dave, and even their son, Anton, similarly seem like they're treading water. Like the titular islands, they're disconnected and unable to reach the mainland of humanity or contentment. It's a slow-burn narrative that has just enough to offer to maintain interest, but it may not appeal to those who prefer a clearer, more structured story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of isolation and a lack of meaning in Islands. How was each character isolated in their own way? What do you think they were missing or searching for? How did they attempt to both connect and escape their situations?
How was smoking, drinking, and drugs depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? Why does that matter?
Discuss the use of strong language in the movie. What did it contribute to the story? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
How did you feel about the crime thriller aspect of the movie? How did it compare to other crime thrillers you've seen? How would you describe the atmosphere and what techniques did the director use to create it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 30, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : March 13, 2026
- Cast : Sam Riley , Stacy Martin , Jack Farthing
- Director : Jan-Ole Gerster
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Greenwich Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Travel
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 5, 2026
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