Directed by Jan-Ole Gerster, 2025, Germany, Not Rated, 121 minutes, partially subtitled

This atmospheric drama centers on Tom (Sam Riley), a tennis coach at a luxury island resort whose detached routine is disrupted when a troubled family arrives, pulling him into a quiet psychological mystery. As relationships blur and tensions simmer beneath the surface, the film explores isolation, privilege, and the emotional undercurrents of transient lives. Premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, Islands was praised for its mood and subtle storytelling. Critics highlighted its tone, with one noting it is “a slow-burning, elegantly crafted study of loneliness and unease,” anchored by Riley’s compellingly restrained performance.

Munson Film Series is sponsored by M&T Bank and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.