“An Island Away From You” (“A una isla de ti”)
(Spain)
Screened at the 44th Reeling Chicago International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (2/5)
Letterboxd (2.5/5), Imdb.com (5/10), TMDB.com (5/10), Imdb.com critics review
#BrentMarchant #ReelingFilmFestival #LGBTQ #AnIslandAwayFromYou #romcom #London #chef #fiancé #businesspartner #homeland #CanaryIslands #getaway #ThreesCompany #bisexualfather #chaos #weddingreception #lesbiancouple #bedandbreakfast #NewAgemother #sterotype #padding #stunningscenery
Few movie genres are lower on my watch list than romcoms that try too hard to be funny and fail. Such is the fate that befalls this latest release from director Alexis Morante, an episodic, often-lame tale that struggles to generate little more than a few modest laughs while mostly trying viewer patience. When Harry (Freddie Dennis), a stressed-out London chef, is unceremoniously jilted by his handsome but self-absorbed fiancé and business partner, Javi (Horacio Colomé), he and his best friend, Yaiza (Julia Martínez), take off on vacation to her picturesque homeland, the Canary Islands. But what is supposed to be a fun-filled getaway soon turns into a series of misadventures that, sadly, are riddled with clichés and more misunderstandings than an episode of Three’s Company. Despite all the confusion, though, Harry nevertheless falls in love with the locale, its food, its people and a new romantic interest who, ironically, just happens to be Yaiza’s bisexual father, Iván (Jaime Zatarain). However, can their relationship survive all the chaos surrounding them? This primary story thread is supplemented by a number of subplots, such as Harry’s agreement to serve as chef for the island wedding reception of a lesbian couple (Leticia Etala, Aïda Ballman); the madcap operations of the bed and breakfast run by Yaiza’s ditzy, New Age mother, Famara (Toni Acosta); and the zany relationship of Yaiza’s longtime wacky friends Pichi (Carlos González) and Guiomar (Alba Goya), both of whom are walking LGBTQ+ stereotypes. Unfortunately, these ancillary story elements feel like little more than padding to help fill out an otherwise-thin (and not especially interesting) principal narrative arc. Taken together, then, these elements make for a release that feels haphazardly thrown together, unsure of where it eventually wants to go, ultimately an eminently forgettable release except for some gorgeous cinematography showcasing the locale’s stunning scenery. With so many other, better LGBTQ+ romcoms out there these days, “An Island Away From You” is a sorry alternative to those far superior offerings.