Those who take care of others often neglected care for themselves. Such as seems the case with Joshua (Rogelio Balagtas), a middle-aged man who takes care of his elderly parents Alma (Vangie Alcasid) and Reynaldo (Esteban Comilang). After his mother dies, his cousin Marisol (Sheila Lotuaco) comes to help take care of Reynaldo.
Joshua has the chance to chase after a partner for himself. That doesn't come too easily for Joshua.
Islands is a very quiet film examining the life of someone searching for love who also could learn about independence. We also get a glimpse of the Filipino-Canadian community in Toronto.
The obvious twist from writer/director Martin Edralin is that this type of caretaker character is usually a woman. Joshua's loneliness and awkwardness also speaks to what happens to some middle-aged men who don't even know how to ask for help.
This is part of why Marisol's character is so important within the film. Joshua knows very little about women, even his female cousin Marisol.
Islands is a really nice presentation of a difficult story. The presentation is laid back so this isn't a film to watch if you are very tired.
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Islands received 3 Canadian Screen Awards nominations in the 2022 ceremony. The film got a Best Actor nomination (Rogelio Balagtas) and Best Supporting Actor nomination (Esteban Comilang) as well as a nomination for the John Dunning Best First Feature award.
Islands is available on CBC Gem in Canada.
video credit: Circus Zero Films
photo credit: Islands
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