Island Review: A Film That Nudges at the Quiet Trap of Complacent Solitude

The German film, Islands, explores the idea that escaping into comfort and avoiding challenges can eventually become stifling. While not actively bad, the film suggests that peace loses its appeal once it no longer helps us avoid life’s problems. However, it’s unclear why director Jan-Ole Gerster chose to tell this story as a lengthy, slow-paced drama. Islands feels more like an extended pause than a compelling journey. It’s watchable and sometimes engaging, but rarely creates a sense of urgency. Throughout the film, it feels like the director introduces ideas without fully exploring them.
