Cast
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Ana Asensio
as Luciana
Natasha Romanova
as Olga
David Little
as Doctor Horowitz
Nicholas Tucci
as Niko
Larry Fessenden
as Rudy
Caprice Benedetti
as Vanessa
Anna Myrha
as Nadia
Ami Sheth
as Benedita
Miriam A. Hyman
as Bikie
Sara Visser
as Katarin
Natalia Zvereva
as Ewa
Sorika Horng
as Mai
Fenella A. Chudoba
as Alina
Andres De Vengoechea
as Jeremy
John Speredakos
as George
Crew
Director
- Ana Asensio
Producer
- Noah Greenberg
- Larry Fessenden
- Chadd Harbold
- Jenn Wexler
- Ana Asensio
Reviews
Svumpukkel85
A total waste of time - not recommendable!
Nov 5, 2017
Igbochild
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the SXSW Film Festival, "Most Beautiful Island" explores the struggles of an undocumented woman living in New York City. On the verge of eviction and desperate for cash, Luciana (played by Ana Asensio, who also wrote and directed) finds out about an opportunity to earn some quick cash from one of her friends. What she soon discovers is that she has gotten herself into a lot more than she bargained for.
In a cool and understated performance, Asensio effectively captures the desperation and cynicism of her character. The film unfolds like a cinema verite documentary, where the audience is following the characters like a fly on the wall. It gives the film a raw quality at times, but works well for this type of film.
The film was nominated for the John Cassavetes Award from Film Independent for Best Feature made for under $500,000. "Most Beautiful Island" is by no means glossy or slick, demonstrates how you can tell a suspenseful story on a limited budget. It does this by placing a lot of the action off-screen until the conceit of the film is revealed. This also keeps the point of view of the film clearly on the women until the very end.
Jul 7, 2022
rollerderby
Stylish and gritty thriller that I found compelling. Somewhat of a slow burn, but deft pacing, realistic characterization and an intriguing plot kept me hooked till the end. I give it 8 out of 10.
Feb 28, 2025
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Most Beautiful Island presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Ana Asensio brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Most Beautiful Island took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 228 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Most Beautiful Island shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Rage: Carrie 2, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Most Beautiful Island offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Carrie and Frühstück mit einer Unbekannten explore similar territory, Most Beautiful Island stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 3, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 20m
Where to Watch
