The Islanders

On a shrinking island, half swallowed by the sea, a woman tends to a handful of very elderly residents while the tides and memory blur the line between refuge and exile. The daily grind of care, small rituals, and stubborn routines anchors a fragile community. The island feels like a living relic, salt air, creaking shacks, and water creeping up the steps. Into this quiet circle arrive five travelers from outside their orbit, carrying questions, needs, and the energy of possibility. Their presence unsettles the island's delicate balance, awakening buried resentments and unexpected tenderness. As the newcomers settle in, old neighbors weigh what it means to share a future when the horizon is already receding.

The Islanders, released in 2025, comes from the collaborative minds of Alantė Kavaitė and Sara Wikler. The ensemble, led by Nadia Tereszkiewicz and Daphné Patakia, also includes Dali Benssalah, Miou-Miou, and Patrick Chesnais, delivering a compact, intimate drama. Its restrained camera work and close ensemble dynamics heighten the sense of belonging and fragility.

Box office numbers have not been released at this time. The film premiered in 2025 and its commercial performance will be updated as figures become available. Given its intimate scope, it may appeal more to festival audiences than global box office charts.

There have been no major awards announced for The Islanders as of its early release window. The film has drawn attention for its tonal blend of comedy and drama, anchored by a veteran ensemble. Its quiet demeanor invites viewers to reflect on aging, community, and resilience.

Early reception is mixed, with an audience score of 6.2 out of 10 from 10 votes. Critics note the film's blend of humor and sorrow, its focus on aging and caregiving, and the way isolated lives meet outsiders who redefine belonging. The island as a character hints at climate fear and the stubborn hope of small communities. This is a movie that lingers after the credits.