Mystery and intimacy form a satisfying mix in this intriguing sexy drama helmed by prolific director Joel Lamangan.
VIVA FILMS
Actors: Christine Bermas, Sean de Guzman, Jela Cuenca, Rash Flores, Sherrie, Massimo Scofield, Quinn Carillo, Alvaro John Oteyza, Andrea del Rosario
Genre: Sexy, Drama
Premise: A nurse is assigned to work at an island called Isla Bato, where men treat women with lust. As she experiences the people’s madness, she plans a way to get out of the island. (Vivamax)
Running Time: 92 minutes
Director: Joel Lamangan
Watch it on: web. Vivamax.net, Vivamax app
Why You Should See It:
It is the mystery and not the usual ‘Vivamax’ sex extravaganza, that has the potential to sell in this new drama by the award-winning director, Joel Lamangan. That should be enough for the streaming service’s largely masculine target viewers, but for those who look for some depth and clarity, Island of Desire may fall short of becoming satisfying.
The film follows Martha, a nurse sent to a remote island called ‘Isla bato’ to bring medicines to the island’s indigenous peoples. When the doctor assigned to the island did not return in time, Martha’s stay at Isla Bato was prolonged. As she stayed longer, she discovered secrets and mysteries that boggled her and challenged her sanity. A creepy cult, headed by a sex maniac and abusive leader, was roaming around the island. A pregnant woman gave birth to an infant goat, while a dead woman briefly woke up after being kissed by the cult leader, before finally giving her last breath. While fulfilling her work as the island’s nurse, Martha met Habal driver, Leloy, whom she, later on, fell in love with.
It is not clear whether or not Island of Desire is curiously designed to be a mind-boggler. Lamangan seemingly wanted to create a conundrum by employing weird choices in his plot’s presentation. However, as imaginative and ambitious his effort is, the end product he managed to create, can be a bit more disorienting and uninviting for some. To his credit, the riddle his choices he made, conjured absorbing intrigues that will surely make the viewers stay until the final frame. As a Vivamax film, Island of Desire teems with daring encounters, but camerawork here is notably paling in comparison to most of the past Vivamax titles.
Island of Desire marks Bermas’s fourth Vivamax feature this year and judging her pace, it won’t be surprised if she eventually outdoes AJ Raval for having the most Vivamax films. Her mix of innocence and allure somewhat save Martha from ending up as an entirely boring character. Still, the plot’s intriguing twist should be enough to warrant this film a watch, despite its flaws.
5 – Excellent
4 – Very Good
3 – Good
2 – Tolerable
1 – Terrible
Stream ‘Island of Desire’ now on Vivamax. Watch the official full trailer below:
