Watch The Isle

The Isle is a 2018 horror-thriller movie that has become a cult favourite for fans of atmospheric, slow-burn tension. Directed by Matthew Butler-Hart, the film stars Conleth Hill, Alex Hassell, and Fisayo Akinade, among others. Set in the 19th century, the plot revolves around a mysterious island in the Scottish Sea that is home to a lighthouse and a few inhabitants. When a trio of outcasts arrives seeking refuge from a storm, they find that the island holds dark secrets and dangers that threaten to consume them.

The film begins with a haunting image of a figure walking along a desolate shoreline on a stormy night. The ethereal sound of a female voice singing an eerie tune sets the mood for what is to come. The opening shot reveals a lighthouse in the distance, and as the camera zooms in, we see that it is inhabited by two men, Thomas and Douglas. They are hard-working and stoic, and although they have a connection to the outside world through regular supply visits, they lead a solitary existence on the island. However, their routine is disrupted when a boat arrives in the middle of a storm, carrying the three aforementioned strangers.

The newcomers are a mix of personalities and backgrounds. The first is a traumatized young woman named Lanthe, who is seeking refuge from a traumatic event in her past. The second is William, a mute man who communicates through sign language and seems to be a mystery even to himself. Finally, there is the suave and charming Boniface, who initially seems like a breath of fresh air in the bleak surroundings. As the group settles into the lighthouse, tensions begin to rise as strange occurrences start to happen, and they realize that they are not alone on the island.

One of the standout elements of The Isle is its visuals. The movie is shot entirely on location in the Isle of Man, and the natural beauty of the setting is used to great effect. The rugged, windswept landscapes and rocky shorelines create a sense of isolation and danger that permeates the entire film. The cinematography is stunning, with wide, sweeping shots that capture the majesty of the landscape, as well as claustrophobic close-ups that heighten the tension during the film's more suspenseful scenes.

The performances in The Isle are also noteworthy. Conleth Hill, best known for his role as Varys in Game of Thrones, delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as Thomas, the gruff and guarded lighthouse keeper. Alex Hassell is equally impressive as Douglas, the younger and more empathetic of the two men. Fisayo Akinade is a standout as Boniface, the enigmatic stranger whose true intentions are shrouded in mystery. The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Emma King as the haunted Lanthe.

One of the film's strengths is its pacing. The Isle is a slow-burn horror that takes its time building suspense and developing characters. The first act of the movie is almost entirely devoted to establishing the setting and the characters. Many viewers might find this slow pace frustrating, but for those who are patient, the payoff is worth it. As the movie progresses, the tension steadily increases, leading to a thrilling and haunting climax.

The Isle is a movie that rewards careful viewing and interpretation. The film is steeped in symbolism and metaphor, and there are many layers to its story. Without giving too much away, the film touches on themes of trauma, grief, guilt, and redemption. The island itself can be seen as a metaphor for the human psyche, with its rugged terrain and turbulent waters representing the trials and tribulations of the human experience.

In conclusion, The Isle is a movie that will appeal to fans of slow-burn horror and atmospheric thrillers. It's a visually stunning film with strong performances and a haunting soundtrack. Although it's not a movie that will be everyone's cup of tea, those who appreciate its atmospheric and understated approach will find it to be a rewarding and memorable viewing experience.

The Isle is a 2019 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.