Movie Discovery of the Day: Pheasant Island (2025) by Asier Urbieta
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 19
- 6 min read
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/472221/
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31436598/
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/pheasant-island
Detailed Summary: Set in the border region between Spain and France, marked by the Bidasoa River, "Pheasant Island" unfolds on a tiny piece of land that switches sovereignty every six months. The film begins when the body of an illegal immigrant is discovered on the very day the island's governance shifts. This event puts Nassim, another immigrant who survived the crossing, in grave danger as he becomes the target of a violent manhunt by French authorities while attempting to cross the border. This chilling incident deeply affects Laida and Sambou, a young interracial couple living in the area. The discovery triggers a strong reaction in Laida, who becomes obsessed with identifying the deceased man, while she perceives Sambou's response as passive. The film explores themes of ethics, morals, civil courage, and the impact on relationships against the backdrop of a border area where cultures and languages intertwine.
Plot Summary: Laida and Sambou, a Spanish couple with African roots living in Hendaye, stumble upon two refugees struggling in the Bidasoa River. Days later, during the exchange of sovereignty over Pheasant Island, a dead body is found. The event profoundly impacts Laida, who becomes consumed with identifying the deceased immigrant and confronts Sambou about his seemingly indifferent reaction. As French authorities violently pursue Nassim, a surviving immigrant, the lives of Laida and Sambou are irrevocably changed, testing their ethics and relationship.
Director's Vision: Asier Urbieta, a previously acclaimed short filmmaker, makes his feature debut with "Pheasant Island," aiming to expose the harsh realities and inhuman violence inflicted on illegal immigrants by both French and Spanish authorities in the border region. Drawing inspiration from real-life events in his local area, Urbieta seeks to approach a complex global issue from a personal perspective, highlighting how borders and international politics affect ordinary people. His vision is to create an unsettling thriller that calls for solidarity, fraternity, and empathy towards the underprivileged, reminiscent of the works of Ken Loach and the Dardenne brothers.
Themes:
The Plight of Illegal Immigrants: The film directly addresses the perilous journeys and the violence faced by individuals attempting to cross borders into Europe.
Loss of Empathy and Humanism: "Pheasant Island" portrays a society that seems to have lost its compassion towards those seeking refuge, particularly highlighting the contrasting reactions of Laida and Sambou.
Ethics and Morality: The discovery of the dead body and the subsequent manhunt force the characters, particularly Laida, to confront their moral compass and sense of civic duty.
Civil Courage: The film subtly calls for individuals to show bravery and stand in solidarity with those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
Relationships Under Pressure: The differing reactions of Laida and Sambou to the events create tension in their relationship, testing their bond and shared values.
Key Success Factors:
Addressing a Timely and Relevant Social Issue: The film tackles the urgent and ongoing crisis of immigration and the treatment of refugees in Europe.
Unsettling Thriller Narrative: The film utilizes suspense and tension to engage the audience with the serious themes it presents.
Reminiscent of Acclaimed Social Realist Filmmakers: The comparison to Ken Loach and the Dardenne brothers suggests a film with a strong sense of realism and social commentary.
Strong Central Performance: Jone Laspiur's portrayal of Laida is described as magnificent, highlighting a compelling character at the heart of the story.
Focus on a Unique and Atmospheric Border Region: The setting of the Bidasoa River and Pheasant Island, with its alternating sovereignty, provides a compelling backdrop for the narrative.
Summary Short: In the borderlands between Spain and France, the discovery of a dead immigrant sets off a violent manhunt and deeply affects a local couple, testing their empathy and relationship.
Awards and Nominations: Nominee Dragon Award, Göteborg Film Festival 2025
Critics Reception: Critical reception for "Pheasant Island" highlights its unsettling nature and its effective exposure of the violence against illegal immigrants. The film is praised for its complex storytelling about an atmospheric border area and a society struggling with empathy. Jone Laspiur's performance as Laida has been particularly noted.
Reviews:
Göteborg Film Festival: Describes the film as a thrilling and engaging debut that puts ethics, morals, and relationships to the test. It commends Jone Laspiur's performance and the cathartic final scene.
Latido Films: Emphasizes the film's unsettling thriller elements and its exposure of the inhuman violence against immigrants, calling for solidarity and empathy.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics view "Pheasant Island" as a strong feature debut from Asier Urbieta, effectively using a thriller narrative to explore important social and ethical themes related to immigration and border violence. The film is commended for its atmospheric setting and the powerful performance of the lead actress.
Production: "Pheasant Island" is a co-production between Spain and France. It is produced by Arcadia Motion Pictures, La Tentación Producciones, and Galatea Films (all from Spain), in conjunction with La Fidèle Production (France). The film received funding from the ICAA (Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts) and the Basque Government.
Production Companies:
Arcadia Motion Pictures (Spain)
La Tentación Producciones (Spain)
Galatea Films (Spain)
La Fidèle Production (France)
Sales Companies:
Latido Films (Spain) handles the international sales for the film.
Distribution Companies:
Bteam Pictures will release the film in Spanish theaters. Information about distribution in other countries is not readily available.
Release Date: "Pheasant Island" had its premiere at the Göteborg Film Festival in January 2025 and is scheduled for theatrical release in Spain on April 25, 2025.
Theatrical Release: Spain - April 25, 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie:
For Viewers Interested in Socially Conscious Thrillers: The film blends suspense with a powerful commentary on immigration issues.
If You Appreciate Independent European Cinema: It's a co-production between Spain and France with a unique regional setting.
For Strong Performances, Particularly by Jone Laspiur: Her portrayal of the central character has been highlighted.
If You Enjoy Films That Tackle Complex Ethical and Moral Questions: The narrative delves into the challenges faced by individuals witnessing injustice.
Why to Watch Movie:
To Gain Insight into the Realities of Border Life and Immigration: The film offers a perspective on a significant contemporary global issue.
To Experience a Debut Feature from a Promising Director: Asier Urbieta has a background in acclaimed short filmmaking.
For a Thrilling Story Set in a Unique Location: Pheasant Island and the Bidasoa River provide an atmospheric backdrop.
If You Enjoy Films That Prompt Reflection on Human Empathy and Solidarity: The film encourages viewers to consider their own responses to the plight of refugees.
What Movie Trend film is following:
Social Realist Thrillers: Similar to the works of Ken Loach and the Dardenne brothers, it uses a thriller narrative to explore social issues with a focus on realism.
Independent Films Addressing Immigration and Border Issues: This is a recurring theme in contemporary cinema, reflecting global concerns.
What Big Social Trend is following:
The Ongoing Global Immigration Crisis: The film directly engages with the human impact of border policies and the challenges faced by migrants.
Increasing Awareness of Human Rights Issues: The film highlights the vulnerability and mistreatment of illegal immigrants.
Final Verdict: "Pheasant Island" is a compelling and unsettling debut feature from Asier Urbieta that effectively uses a thriller framework to shed light on the urgent issue of immigration and the human cost of border control. With strong performances and an atmospheric setting, the film promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience for audiences interested in socially conscious cinema.
Recommendations for Film Makers:
Use Thriller Elements to Engage Audiences with Social Issues: The film demonstrates how suspense can amplify the impact of important themes.
Ground Your Story in Specific Locations and Realities: The unique border setting and Urbieta's personal connection to the region enhance the film's authenticity.
Focus on Strong Character Development to Convey Complex Emotions: Laida's obsession and Sambou's passivity create compelling points of engagement.
Consider International Co-productions to Broaden the Scope and Resources of Your Film: The collaboration between Spain and France likely contributed to the film's production value and reach.
Recommendations for Movie Industry:
Support Films That Address Important Social and Political Issues: These films can contribute to public awareness and dialogue.
Recognize and Promote Debut Features from Promising New Directors: Asier Urbieta's work suggests a talent to watch.
Facilitate International Co-productions to Foster Cross-Cultural Storytelling: These collaborations can lead to richer and more diverse cinematic experiences.
Ensure Distribution for Independent Films That Offer Unique Perspectives on Global Issues: Films like "Pheasant Island" deserve to reach a wide audience.
Comments