Sales, finance and production outfit Protagonist Pictures will handle worldwide sales alongside Augenschein Sales for Jan-Ole Gerster’s thriller “Islands,” starring Sam Riley (“Control,” “Firebrand”), Stacy Martin (“The Brutalist,” “Nymphomaniac”) and Jack Farthing (“The Riot Club,” “Spencer”). The film will have its world premiere at the Berlinale as part of the Berlinale Special Gala section.
“Islands” is Gerster’s English-language debut and he also co-wrote the screenplay with Blaz Kutin and Lawrie Doran. It is Gerster’s third feature following “A Coffee in Berlin” (2012) and “Lara” (2019). The film was developed and produced by Maximilian Leo and Jonas Katzenstein for Augenschein Filmproduktion. It is co-produced by Leonine Studios and Schiwago Film. Leonine will also distribute the film in Germany.
“This dramatic thriller is an extraordinary blend of intrigue and atmosphere,” Dave Bishop, CEO of Protagonist Pictures, said. “With Sam Riley’s captivating performance at its core and Jan Ole Gerster’s masterful direction, the film explores the darker edges of desire and mystery against a sun-drenched backdrop. We’re thrilled to bring this compelling vision to buyers and to partner once again with our friends at Augenschein.”
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Shot on location in the Canary Islands, the dramatic thriller centers on Tom (Riley) who works as a tennis coach at an all-inclusive hotel on Fuerteventura. What at first glance appears to be the dream of never-ending summers has long since become a monotonous routine for the former professional. Tourists come and go in an endless stream and Tom fills the void with fleeting affairs and alcohol.
When the mysterious Anne (Martin) appears at the hotel, she, her husband Dave (Farthing) and their seven-year-old son Anton (Dylan Torrell) do not conform with the conventional image of a tourist. Tom soon gets close to the family but when Dave disappears without a trace and Anne’s behavior is just as mysterious, he finds himself implicated in a murder.
“Jan-Ole and the wonderful cast – Sam, Stacy and Jack – have given us an ingenious neo-noir that feels deeply human,” Leo said. “‘Islands’ plays like a beautifully-crafted thriller that at the same time persuades you to smile thoughtfully about life’s unpredictable paths.”
Katzenstein described Gerster as one of Germany’s “most inspiring auteurs.”