Watch Iona

Iona is a 2015 drama film that takes us on a journey to an isolated island of Iona in Scotland. The film stars Ruth Negga, Douglas Henshall, and Tom Brooke in lead roles. Directed by Scott Graham, this mystical film navigates through themes of faith, redemption, and belonging. When the film opens, we see the young Iona (played by Sorcha Groundsell) traveling back to Iona with her mother after a long time. The reason for their homecoming is unclear, but it is evident that there is a secret that they are hiding. On reaching the island, Iona's mother leaves her with her uncle (Douglas Henshall), who she hasn't met before.

Iona is an withdrawn teenager who struggles to connect with people. She is dealing with a lot of emotional pain and displacement, and she doesn't know how to let people in. But things start to change when she meets a local boy named Benjamin (Tom Brooke). They connect on a deep level, and Iona finds herself drawn to Benjamin and his unconventional ways.

As Iona tries to find a place for herself on the island, the secrets of her past start to unravel. We learn about the trauma that brought Iona and her mother to Scotland and understand the depth of Iona's pain. It all ties in with the mysterious past of Iona's uncle, who has a judgmental side while still trying to protect his niece.

The film delves deep into the spiritual landscape of the island, where the people are broken and need each other to heal. The island is depicted as a mystical and complex place, where ancient traditions coexist with modern Christian beliefs. The film doesn't judge or dismiss this, but instead, it embraces the idea of community and the importance of finding a sense of belonging.

One of the standout actors in the film is Ruth Negga, who plays the adult version of Iona. She delivers a powerful performance, portraying the pain and confusion of the character with great sensitivity. Her chemistry with Douglas Henshall, who plays Iona's uncle, is also noteworthy. Together, they create a sense of family that transcends their difficult past.

Tom Brooke's portrayal of Benjamin is also crucial to the film, as he represents the younger generation that refuses to be confined by tradition. He is a breath of fresh air on the island, and the scenes between him and Iona are some of the film's highlights.

The film is visually stunning, exploring the vast, barren landscape of the island while also capturing the intimate moments between the characters. And while the film's pace is slow, it allows the audience to connect with the characters and invest in their journeys.

Overall, Iona is a poignant, contemplative film that explores themes of family, trauma, and spirituality. It's a film that requires patience and an open heart, but it's one that rewards its viewers with a sense of hope and healing.

Iona is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.