Rent Island (2011)

Bleak and highly recomended. - Island review by NP

It’s very difficult to see a film these days without being bombarded with spoilers. Well, I’m giving nothing away here, other than to say that it’s based on Jane Rogers’ acclaimed novel of the same name and is highly recommended viewing.

The story is told slowly and is not just drenched in atmosphere but positively dripping with it. Bleak, blustery and poignant, there are four main players – Natalie Press and Nikki Black, Colin Morgan as Calum, Janet McTeer as Phyllis and the titular island itself. Rolling and rocky, dotted with Calum’s dens festooned with items he’s collected (“You’re like a magpie,” Nikki says at one point). It is beautifully filmed but bitingly cold to look at.

Phyllis’ home may be more heated, but there is little warmth there; secrets, isolation and fearsome independence despite a gloomy future. The friendship that grows between Calum and Nikki is steady charming – but can it survive? The stories that they share betray a real connection, and her illustrations take on a new poignancy during the end credits - look out for them.

Be prepared for a slow-burner, but one that draws you in and keeps you there until the story decides to end leaving you to wonder … what next? My score is 7 out of 10.