Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island?

Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island? is a Spanish drama film, which was released worldwide on Netflix in the year 2019. It is a gripping tale that looks into the lives of four longtime friends in Madrid, their interpersonal relationships, and how they grapple with adulthood while still trying to preserve the freedoms and frivolities of youth. The film was directed by Jota Linares and produced by La Canica Films. The movie is headlined by an impressive ensemble of Spanish actors including Pol Monen, Jaime Lorente, and Andrea Ros.

The movie conjures a peculiar setting that serves as the backdrop to the unfolding drama - a shared flat in Madrid, occupied by the four friends. This apartment has been a haven to them for eight years, distinct in its chaotic charm, much like the lives they lead. While the quartet share a strong camaraderie, their personal circumstances, their ambitions, their failures, and their aspirations make the dynamics between them intriguing, further complicated by secrets they’ve been harboring regarding one another.

Pol Monen plays Marcos, a zealous actor with a strong ambition who is looking forward to a promising opportunity in Miami. Jaime Lorente, known for his brilliant performance in Money Heist, portrays the role of Eze, Marcos’ closest friend and a striking contradiction to the former's driven persona. He is a free-spirited character who is content doing vague jobs and roaming aimlessly around the city on his bike.

Andrea Ros is cast as Marta, a passionate and focused actress. She is in a complicated relationship with Marcos, their intricacies adding to the various emotions encapsulated in the apartment. The cast is rounded off by María Pedraza who plays Celeste, a young woman with a mysterious part-time job and a secret of her own. The diverse personalities of these main characters create an interesting mix that keeps the viewers intrigued throughout the movie.

The drama begins to unfold when, on a drunken night, they play a seemingly harmless game to lighten the palpable pressure of change looming over them. This game, ‘Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island?’, brings out shocking revelations and dark secrets that not only shatter the peace of the night but also their long-standing friendships. The consequences and implications of the game lead to a spiraling narrative of accusation, guilt, regret, and redemption.

While on surface the film appears compact, limited to the walls of the shared apartment; it successfully leverages the confined space to intricately unfold the characters and their complex relationships. The movie's title is a metaphorical representation of isolation, much like a deserted island; it underlines the conflict that comes into the open during the course of the game and questions the facades one puts up in friendships.

The characters may seem larger-than-life, their dilemmas ostentatious, yet the director succeeds in creating a resonating familiarity. One can relate to their issues and aspirations; their predicament regarding the future, the complexities of love, and the baseless but inevitable fears that hold us back.

What adds further texture to the film is its cinematography and evocative soundtrack. Spectacular camera work brings Madrid's urban landscape to life and gives the viewers an intimate feel of the chaos and vibrancy of the city. The music of the film includes a variety of indie and alternative Spanish music that beautifully complements the flow of the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island? is an exploration of youth, friendship, love, dreams, and the intricate realities that define life. It is a poignant portrayal of how the most innocuous and playful conversations can be catalysts for change. The movie explores the concept of truth and the inevitable maturation one faces while transitioning from the comfort of youth and routine, into the uncertainties brought forth by the future. It is profoundly emotional and deeply insightful, a piece that will inevitably leave its audience introspecting long after the credits roll. This movie is a must-watch for those who love character-driven plots and evocative storytelling, intertwined with finely crafted performances.