The Island, directed by Fernando Trueba, is a romantic thriller that lures viewers to a sun-soaked Greek island, only to plunge them into a murky tale of desire and deception. Starring Matt Dillon as Max and Aida Folch as the spirited Alex, the film blends sultry romance with psychological suspense.
The story opens with Alex, a young Spanish woman, arriving late for a hostess job at a quaint seaside restaurant on a remote Greek island. Max, the restaurant’s reclusive American manager, played with brooding intensity by Dillon, reluctantly offers her a server position instead. From the outset, Dillon plays Max with a quiet charisma, his weathered charm hinting at a man burdened by secrets. Folch’s Alex, brings a contrasting energy, her impulsive nature setting the stage for an ill-fated attraction. Their chemistry, while not electric, simmers convincingly enough to anchor the film’s early romantic tension.
As Alex grows closer to Max, ignoring the affections of the charismatic Enrico (Juan Pablo Urrego), the story shifts from romance to suspense. Enrico’s discovery of unsettling clues about Max’s past—hinted at through cryptic photos and fleeting references to a life left behind—introduces a sense of dread. Dillon’s performance is a highlight, his portrayal of Max striking a delicate balance between alluring and unnerving. He conveys a man haunted by his choices with subtle gestures—a guarded glance—though the script doesn’t always give him room to fully explore Max’s complexity.
Trueba’s affection for the genre is evident, and the film’s craftsmanship—its lush visuals, evocative score by Zbigniew Preisner, and Dillon’s committed performance—makes it intermittently engaging. The Island is a visual splendor with star power to warrant a watch, it’s more than a summer fling, rather a lasting obsession.
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