mrwildgoose

From all the hoopla and hype, I thought it would be a memorable viewing. But it gave me a headache. I constantly deliberated between sleeping and continuing to watch. And though I did finish it in the hope of some grand reveal, sleep would have been much more satisfying.

Simply put, it's neither a thriller, nor a drama. It just labours on, for two and a half hours. There are much more intriguing everyday movie dramas, and there are, of course, much more entertaining thrillers. It's as tepid as the ending. Underwhelming.

But, fantastic performance by the lead. And also, good enough direction. But the editing could have been tighter.

I would not recommend.

It wasn't like watching a movie, it was like experiencing life. Perhaps women experience life by being (the director is a woman), and men by achieving. Because it felt like I was immersed in life itself, and not racing to a conclusion. It was a cross section of different lives, at a particular point. And though characterised by huge upheavals, there was stillness throughout. You cannot miss the analogy with the sea, which is a constant presence. Warm and inviting, or lethal and threatening in turn.

Beautiful locales, and Excellent performances. Understated, but spot on. But I thought the ailing mother was miscast. She looked out of place, and far from looking sick, she was positively glowing.

There's some jarring brutality towards animals and plants, perhaps as a reflection of our impotency in preventing death.

All in all, the island will stay with me for a while.