The most unusual thing about this film is that it’s true. During the early 30s, three groups of people moved to a remote island in the Galapagos. The initial couple was a philosopher/writer and his companion (Jude Law & Vanessa Kirby). They’re followed by a husband/wife (Daniel Brühl & Sydney Sweeney) and their son with tuberculous (Jonathan Tittel). Finally, making a grand entrance with a small entourage is the “Baroness” (Ana de Armas) with an upper-crust attitude and unrealistic expectations. The need for food and other basics creates constant tension among them. Director Ron Howard has imbued every scene with a continual aura of suspicion and betrayal. It’s boosted by the all-around exceptional performances, especially de Armas, who’s charismatically and compellingly seductive and Sweeney, in an almost unrecognizable dramatic turn. This film takes it’s time to develop, sometimes even frustratingly. By the ending, it does accumulate tension, creating a dark, intriguing story that’s even more compelling because it’s true. 
(3 / 5)
