It’s not often that we can pair a couple of actresses together for a film like Isle of Hope. In this drama Damian Romay, who wrote and directed the film, was able to get Diane Ladd with Mary Stuart Masterson in a heart to heart winner. Touching and sometimes nerve bending, the film deals with a subject that most mother and daughters have had bridge in many different ways. Seek out a theater that’s showing the film near you, it’s worth the watch.
Victoria (Mary Stuart Masterson) a play writer and University Professor is one to reckon with when it comes to her class. She makes sure they totally understand what it takes to study her craft. But, Victoria has a deep seated problem that has brought her to demanding perfection from her class. Still at odds with her mother Carmen Crawford (Diane Ladd), who was a big star on the stage, now has to deal with her from day to day following a stoke. Carmen, now in a hospital bed and with memories only from 15 years past, gets visits from Victoria that opens an opportunity to fix their differences.
The movie moves along nicely as Victoria’s brother William (Sam Robards) and ex-husband Andrew (Andrew McCarthy), try to help Victoria come to her senses. Director and writer Damian Romay nicely works Eleanor (Jessica Lynn Wallace), the daughter of Victoria and Andrew, into the mix as the famous cast digs deep into the roots of the captivating story. Although the subject matter is somewhat common among mother daughter relationships, this film is unique in that dealing with loss of memory plays a big part. Isle of Hope sends a message straight to your heart
The performances by Ladd and Masterson are very good, especially Ladd who fits nicely into the golden years. Her mannerisms work well as a woman who still sees herself as the famous sage star. Masterson has the benefit of building Victoria from four major elements; her mother, ex-husband, brother and daughter and nicely brings her character to life. The buildup delivers a finale you won’t want to miss.
Isle of Hope has not been rated, but contains adult situations. The film opens this weekend in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Ft. Meyers/Naples, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Tallahassee. Check your listing in other states as the film rolls out around the nation.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Diane Ladd, Mary Stuart Masterson, Sam Robards, Andrew McCarthy, Jessica Lynn Wallace.
Directed by: Damian Romay
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.
Opening Date: February 23, 2024
Distributed by: Aventura Entertainment
Released in: Initial Select Theaters
