The Isle (2019)

"Some islands should remain forgotten."

The Isle (2019) is a British supernatural thriller directed by Matthew Butler-Hart, starring Conleth Hill, Alex Hassell, Tori Butler-Hart, and Fisayo Akinade. Set in 1846, the film follows three shipwrecked sailors who find themselves stranded on a mysterious Scottish island, where dark secrets and eerie forces begin to unravel.

Story Overview

The film begins with three sailors—Oliver (Alex Hassell), Cailean (Fisayo Akinade), and Jim (Graham Butler)—surviving a brutal storm at sea. They wash ashore on a remote Scottish island that appears abandoned, except for four reclusive villagers. The island’s eerie silence and fog-covered cliffs immediately hint that something is amiss.

Douglas (Conleth Hill), the de facto leader of the island’s inhabitants, welcomes them but insists that they leave as soon as possible. The villagers—Lanthe (Tori Butler-Hart), Fingal (Alix Wilton Regan), and Korrigan (Dickon Tyrrell)—are kind but distant, avoiding questions about the island’s history.

As the sailors recover and search for a way off the island, they begin to notice unsettling occurrences. Oliver sees shadowy figures moving through the mist, Cailean hears whispers carried by the wind, and Jim is strangely drawn to Lanthe, who seems trapped by an unseen force.

The villagers warn them not to wander at night, but curiosity gets the better of them. As they explore, they uncover remnants of old shipwrecks and journals that speak of sailors who arrived before them—none of whom ever escaped. The island appears to be cursed, bound by a supernatural presence that feeds off despair and entraps those who dare to set foot upon its shores.

As they attempt to flee, the island tightens its grip, causing violent hallucinations, delusions, and psychological torment. The deeper they delve into its secrets, the more they realize they are not alone. Something watches from beneath the water, and those who remain on the island are forever changed.

Themes and Symbolism

• Isolation and Madness: The island’s remoteness mirrors the mental unraveling of its inhabitants, illustrating how loneliness and despair can erode the mind.

• Folklore and Supernatural Horror: Inspired by Scottish myths, the film weaves ghostly legends and ancient curses into its narrative.

• The Power of the Sea: The ocean is both a force of destruction and mystery, swallowing ships and trapping souls in its depths.

Why It Stands Out

• Atmospheric and Haunting: The cinematography beautifully captures the isolated, fog-laden landscapes of the Scottish coast, enhancing the film’s eerie tone.

• Slow-Burn Mystery: The story unfolds gradually, building tension with psychological horror and supernatural elements.

• Strong Performances: Conleth Hill and Alex Hassell deliver compelling portrayals of characters who struggle against both external and internal forces.

Reception and Legacy

The Isle was released on February 8, 2019, and praised for its cinematography and eerie atmosphere. It holds a 5.5/10 rating on IMDb, appreciated for its unsettling ambiance but critiqued for its slow pacing. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a hidden gem for fans of folk horror and psychological thrillers.

Where to Watch

The Isle is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. You can also find more details on IMDb or watch the official trailer online.