Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones co-directed and co-wrote, with Kisha Tikina Burgos, Esta Isla (This Island). The film centers on Bebo (Zion Ortiz), a high school student basically living in poverty in Puerto Rico. His grandma, Aida (Georgina Borri), does what she can to support Bebo, as does his older brother Charlie (Xavier Morales), though through somewhat dubious means. Bebo is seeing Lola (Fabiola Brown), who is from a much nicer area, meaning they have to be somewhat secretive to hide their love from her family. After Charlie is gunned down in a violent drive-by, Bebo and Lola run away together to live off the land. At first, things seem to be perfect, but this new sense of freedom isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Are Bebo and Lola merely running away from the hardships they face, or is living in a tent the life they truly dreamed of?
The film begins as a slice-of-life drama, where the audience observes Bebo’s daily routines. His interactions with Aida, Lola, Charlie, and the more unsavory locals, such as Moreno (Audicio Robles), feel realistic and grounded. Once a story emerges, the audience is already deeply invested in Bebo and Lola’s lives and relationship, so there is a sense of urgency for them to escape and hide in the woods. The best thing about the screenplay is that the shocking moment of violence is earned. It is not forced just to cause drama for drama’s sake; it is a natural, though tragic, extension of these people’s lives.
A memorable and poetic image from Esta Isla (This Island) as Bebo wades into the ocean with a horse, symbolizing connection and escape
“After Charlie is gunned down in a violent drive-by, Bebo and Lola run away…”
The drama of Esta Isla. is also brought to life by the cast. Ortiz is naturally charismatic and ably shoulders the heavy scenes, especially as the ending approaches. Brown is just as good, selling her love for Bebo but not his lifestyle (in a manner of speaking) very well. Robles gets an incredible scene near the finale that he perfectly performs. Everyone, no matter how small the part, really holds their own,
Esta Isla (This Island). is an excellent and absorbing drama. Its characters are well-written and behave in sensible and relatable ways. The cast excels at bringing authentic emotions and subtle details to the forefront, making everything as authentic as possible. This should serve as a strong calling card for the filmmakers for future endeavors.
"…excellent and absorbing..."
