We Were Islands

Star rating: 4/5

Writer: Amrita Rainna

Director: Amrita Rainna

Starring: Amrita Rainna and Noel Taylor

This film is a goofy comedy drama that goes deep on what heart break really means.

We Were Islands, written and directed by Amrita Rainna, is a light-hearted piece about breaking up at 30-something and how this changes perspectives and outlooks on life, specifically from a female perspective.

The main character, Reeta, has turned 30, and finds out her younger sister is getting married. For her South Asian family, this is a milestone of huge importance, and it makes Rita question her own situation as a single woman. That is, until one particular night when she meets Juliun, at the bar after her stand-up show. That changes everything, and poses new and challenging questions. Rita and Juliun, played by Amrita Rainna and Noel Taylor, are both goofy, misunderstood and pining for someone who they can truly connect with, someone who ‘gets’ them. The question throughout the film is whether they have found what they’ve been looking for.

Amrita Rainna and Noel Taylor give us open hearted performances that show clear love for the material, which is a story of memorable characters- Reeta’s family are particularly funny- and true to life expressiveness. This is punctuated with out-there comedic moments which at various points seem almost too much, not in keeping with the characters’ ages, which narratively seems like an easy to reach for tool to portray a journey of maturity that is actually really interesting.

Technically, the highlights of We Were Islands are the montages which are photographic, collage-like pieces, happening at various moments in the film which add to its comedic flavour, and punctuate the film accompanied by pieces of text in a way that is reminiscent of soliloquy in a play. The film also features a funny, unapologetic original soundtrack by Milo Coelo, which does real justice to the piece. A word also on the film poster- ethereal, and alluding to the film's title.

As a story, We Were Islands highlights honesty and tenderness, from many perspectives. In unexpected ways that are parallel to and regardless of romance, we see Reeta find these, providing for a heartwarming character arch. Towards the end of the film we meet her grandmother, who shares her wisdom in a uniquely unassuming, sweet way. When Rita asks her about life decisions and their effect and consequences, she tells her that ‘they all work out, Reeta. They always do’. In a world that demands ease, perfection and ‘success’, gratitude is one of the noblest feelings we are capable of, and We Were Islands brings this to life.