New Movies: This Island (Esta Isla) (2025) by Cristian Carretero & Lorraine Jones Molina: A Haunting Coming-of-Age Drama of Escape and Reckoning in Puerto Rico
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Core Summary: Lovers on the Run in a Fading Homeland
This Island (Esta Isla) (2025), the debut narrative feature from Puerto Rican filmmakers Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina, is a poignant coming-of-age and crime drama. Set in a coastal Puerto Rican town, the film follows Bebo (Zion OrtÃz), a teenager from a public housing complex who, alongside his older brother Charlie (Xavier Morales), relies on fishing but is driven to illicit dealings by growing desperation. When a job goes terribly wrong, spilling blood and attracting hitmen, Bebo is forced to flee into the labyrinthine mountains with Lola (Fabiola Brown), a wealthy girl seeking to escape her own troubled reality. As they navigate the untamed interior of the island, they encounter remnants of a fading way of life, contrasting sharply with the violence that pursues them. A deeply personal exploration of the Puerto Rican condition, "This Island" delves into themes of colonialism, survival, mutual care, and the reverberations of historical trauma, all while portraying a desperate journey where redemption is uncertain and the sea, once a lifeline, might become their final escape.
Summary Short: Puerto Rican Teen Fugitives Find Themselves on a Treacherous Island
In Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina's This Island, a Puerto Rican teenager, Bebo, flees into the mountains with a wealthy girl, Lola, after a criminal act goes awry. Pursued by hitmen, they confront their choices and the island's fading traditions, embarking on a harrowing journey of self-discovery amidst violence and a colonial legacy.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65234833/
About movie: https://habanerofilmsales.com/portfolio/esta-isla
Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/this-island
Detailed Summary: The Labyrinthine Paths of Survival
The film is set in contemporary Puerto Rico, specifically a coastal town and its mountainous interior. This setting is crucial, serving as both a physical and metaphorical landscape for the characters' struggles.
The protagonists are Bebo (Zion OrtÃz) and his older brother Charlie (Xavier Morales), who live in a public housing complex and struggle to make a living through fishing.
Economic hardship pushes Charlie into illicit activities for quick money, despite warnings. This decision sets the central conflict in motion.
A criminal job goes wrong, resulting in bloodshed, forcing Bebo to flee. He takes refuge with Lola (Fabiola Brown), a girl from a privileged but troubled background, who also seeks an escape from her reality.
Their flight takes them deep into Puerto Rico's untamed and isolated mountains, a stark contrast to their coastal upbringing. Here, they encounter rural communities and remnants of a traditional, fading way of life, including elements of the pro-independence movement and TaÃno traditions.
Hitmen are in pursuit of Bebo and Lola, creating a constant sense of danger and urgency throughout their journey.
As they navigate this perilous landscape, Bebo is forced to confront his choices, his identity, and the meaning of redemption. Lola also grapples with her past and future.
The film is described as a deeply personal exploration of the Puerto Rican condition, delving into the impact of colonialism, the challenges of survival on the margins, and the reverberations of historical trauma.
The directors employ a "Tropical Realism" style, utilizing natural light and a minimal crew to create an immersive atmosphere that blends realism with surreal elements.
The relationship between Bebo and Lola evolves from a shared desperate flight to a burgeoning intimacy, as they rely on each other for survival and emotional support.
The narrative is non-linear at times, shifting perspectives between Bebo and Lola to delve into their individual turmoils and growth.
The sea, initially their means of livelihood, becomes a looming threat, symbolizing a potential final escape or grave.
The film's runtime is 114 minutes.
Plot Summary: Desperation, Flight, and Confrontation
Teenager Bebo and his brother struggle to survive by fishing in coastal Puerto Rico, leading Charlie into illicit activities.
A botched criminal job results in violence, forcing Bebo to flee with Lola, a privileged girl seeking escape.
They seek refuge in Puerto Rico's remote mountains, encountering traditional communities and a fading way of life.
Hitmen pursue them relentlessly, creating a constant threat as they navigate the treacherous landscape.
Bebo and Lola's journey becomes one of self-discovery, forcing them to confront their pasts and the difficult choices they face.
The film explores the impact of colonialism, survival, and the complex relationship between the characters and their island homeland.
The climax sees Bebo confronting his decisions, leading to a desperate choice between redemption and ultimate escape.
Director's Vision: Tropical Realism and Personal Storytelling
A Love Letter to Puerto Rico:Â Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina envision "This Island" as a "love letter to Puerto Rico and its people," aiming to tell a story deeply rooted in the island's place, memory, and resistance.
Personal and Collective Memory:Â The film draws heavily on the directors' personal and collective memories, expanding on Carretero's 2014 short film of the same name, to deepen its emotional and political resonance.
Tropical Realism:Â They employed a distinct "Tropical Realism" visual style, primarily shooting with natural light and a minimal crew to create an immersive atmosphere that blends raw realism with subtle surreal elements, reflecting the precariousness of contemporary life in Puerto Rico.
Centering Erased Characters:Â A key aspect of their vision was to center characters often marginalized or "erased" in mainstream narratives, providing a fresh voice to Caribbean cinema.
Exploration of Colonial Legacy:Â The film is designed to be a "deeply personal exploration of the Puerto Rican condition," explicitly delving into themes of colonialism, survival, and historical trauma.
Growth in Crisis:Â The directors aimed to depict how individuals, particularly youth, can flower into their strengths and convictions while undergoing immense, sudden upheavals, emphasizing personal growth in crisis.
Sublime and Quietly Wise:Â They sought to create a film that is "deeply moving, reflective, and confident" on adolescent turmoil and identity, with a "dramatic pulse" that is ambient rather than overtly theatrical.
Themes: Colonialism's Legacy, Survival & Resistance, Youth & Identity, Social Stratification, and The Power of Place
Colonialism's Legacy:Â The film explicitly explores how Puerto Rico's colonial past continues to shape its present, impacting economic opportunities, social issues, and the lives of its inhabitants.
Survival and Resistance:Â It portrays the daily struggles of those on the margins, highlighting their resilience and their various forms of resistance against systemic pressures.
Youth and Identity:Â Bebo and Lola's journey is a powerful coming-of-age story, as they grapple with who they are, their choices, and their place in a challenging world.
Social Stratification:Â The film contrasts the lives of characters from public housing with those from privileged backgrounds, showcasing the stark social divides within Puerto Rican society.
The Power of Place and Memory:Â The island of Puerto Rico itself acts as a character, with its landscapes and traditions deeply intertwined with the characters' experiences and the island's historical memory.
Redemption and Desperation:Â The characters are pushed to their limits, forcing them to confront their moral choices and the possibility (or impossibility) of redemption.
Key Success Factors: Tribeca Premiere, Authentic Storytelling, and Acclaimed Talent
World Premiere at Tribeca Festival:Â Its selection for the U.S. Narrative Competition at the 2025 Tribeca Festival provided a significant platform and immediate critical attention, including awards.
Deeply Personal and Authentic Narrative:Â The film's basis in the directors' personal and collective memories of the Puerto Rican experience lends it a profound sense of authenticity and emotional resonance.
Co-Directors' Vision:Â Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina, both Emmy Award-winning filmmakers, bring a unique collaborative voice to their debut narrative feature.
Strong Cinematography:Â Cedric Cheung-Lau, known for "The Mountains Are a Dream That Call to Me," lends a poetic and immersive visual style.
Timely and Relevant Themes:Â The film's exploration of colonialism, survival, and youth identity in Puerto Rico is highly relevant and topical.
Compelling Performances:Â Early reviews highlight the grounded performances of the young lead actors, Zion OrtÃz and Fabiola Brown.
Awards and Nominations: Multiple Tribeca Festival Wins
This Island had a very successful world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, where it competed in the U.S. Narrative Competition. It received significant accolades:
Special Jury Mention for Best U.S. Narrative Feature
Winner: Best Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Feature (for Cedric Cheung-Lau)
Winner: Best New Narrative Director Award (for Lorraine Jones Molina and Cristian Carretero)
It was also selected for the Ibero American Feature Competition at the 2025 Guadalajara International Film Festival.
Critics Reception: Highly Acclaimed and Poignant
Critical reception for This Island has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly following its strong showing at the Tribeca Festival. Reviewers describe it as a "sublime and quietly wise," "deeply moving, reflective, and confident film."
Strengths Highlighted:Â Critics praised its "potent exploration of wayward youth seeking a better future," its "grounded performances," and "striking cinematography." The film's ability to blend realism with surreal elements and create a "richly ambient" storytelling style was highly commended. The narrative's shift in perspective between the leads was also noted as effective.
Themes and Impact:Â Reviewers emphasized its success in exploring colonialism, survival, and the "Puerto Rican condition," calling it a "love letter" to the island. It was seen as a film that "nurtures dignity" in its characters and "rescues us" through its gentle and caring storytelling despite bleak themes.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: This Island has been critically acclaimed as a powerful and emotionally resonant debut feature, praised for its authentic portrayal of its characters and setting, its visual artistry, and its profound thematic depth.
Reviews: Authentic, Poetic, and Emotionally Resmersive
Reviews from audiences and critics describe This Island as an authentic, poetic, and emotionally immersive cinematic experience. Viewers are deeply moved by the raw performances of Zion OrtÃz and Fabiola Brown, who anchor the film with their portrayal of desperate youth finding connection amidst chaos. The film's visual style, combining stark realism with moments of lyrical beauty, is frequently praised for capturing the soul of Puerto Rico. While the themes are heavy—touching on crime, colonialism, and survival—the narrative is delivered with a "gentle and full of care" approach, allowing for moments of hope and self-affirmation. It is seen as a significant voice in Caribbean cinema, offering a powerful and intimate look at the human experience on the margins.
Box Office: Limited Arthouse Release (Early Stage)
As a recent premiere at the Tribeca Festival (June 2025), This Island is in its very early stages of theatrical release. Box office figures are not yet widely available for public reporting, as it will likely embark on a limited arthouse circuit and festival run before wider distribution.
Production Companies: Puerto Rican Independent
Experimento Lúdico (Puerto Rico) - The main production company co-founded by the directors.
Sales Companies: International Sales Agent
Habanero Film Sales (Brazil/Puerto Rico) is handling the international sales for This Island, representing the film globally.
Distribution Companies: Upcoming Limited Releases
Cinema Tropical (USA) is listed as a press contact for its US release, suggesting involvement in its limited US distribution.
Further distribution details for other territories will likely emerge as it continues its festival run and secures deals.
Release Date on Streaming: To Be Announced (after theatrical window)
The streaming release date for This Island is to be announced. As it just premiered in June 2025 and has upcoming theatrical dates, it is expected to become available on streaming platforms later in 2025 or in 2026, following its festival and limited theatrical windows.
Theatrical Release: Tribeca Premiere and Upcoming Festival/Limited Releases
World Premiere (U.S. Narrative Competition): June 7, 2025, at the 2025 Tribeca Festival in New York City.
Upcoming Festivals:Â Selected for the Guadalajara International Film Festival 2025.
Puerto Rico Film Festival: Scheduled as the Opening Night Film on September 17, 2025, at Teatro Yagüez.
Limited Theatrical Release (USA):Â Dates to be confirmed following its festival circuit.
Why to Watch This Movie: A Vital and Beautifully Crafted Debu
For a powerful and authentic voice in Caribbean cinema:Â This film offers a deeply personal and culturally resonant story from Puerto Rican filmmakers.
If you appreciate character-driven dramas with social relevance:Â It tackles complex themes of colonialism, survival, and youth identity with nuance and empathy.
To experience stunning cinematography:Â Cedric Cheung-Lau's work creates a visually poetic and immersive experience.
For compelling performances by emerging talent:Â Zion OrtÃz and Fabiola Brown deliver strong, grounded portrayals.
If you seek films that explore the complex realities of life on the margins:Â It's a raw, yet tender, look at desperation and resilience.
To support independent and diverse storytelling:Â This debut feature represents an important artistic achievement.
Movie Trend: Caribbean New Wave & Social Realism with Lyrical Qualities
This Island is a significant example of a burgeoning Caribbean New Wave in cinema, marked by independent filmmakers from the region telling authentic, local stories with a distinct artistic voice. It firmly aligns with Social Realism, portraying the harsh realities of life on the margins, economic struggles, and the impact of systemic issues. However, it elevates this with Lyrical Qualities and a "Tropical Realism" aesthetic, blending the gritty with the poetic, similar to some Latin American and independent European cinema that uses evocative visuals and atmosphere to deepen character and theme. Its "lovers on the run" narrative also gives it a classic crime drama structure, but reinterpreted through a contemporary, culturally specific lens.
Social Trend: Decolonization & Climate Migration/Economic Dislocation
The film is deeply connected to several crucial social trends. Primarily, it speaks to the ongoing global conversation around Decolonization and the Legacy of Colonialism, specifically through the lens of Puerto Rico's complex relationship with the United States. It highlights how historical power imbalances manifest in contemporary economic hardship and social challenges. Secondly, it subtly touches upon themes related to Climate Migration and Economic Dislocation, as desperation drives youth to illicit activities or forces them to flee their homes, mirroring global movements of people displaced by environmental shifts or lack of opportunity. The film humanizes these macro trends through the intimate story of its protagonists.
Final Verdict: A Triumphant and Essential Debut
"This Island" is a stunning and essential debut narrative feature from Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina. It is a film of quiet power and profound emotional resonance, offering an unflinching yet deeply empathetic portrayal of youth navigating a precarious existence in contemporary Puerto Rico. With its captivating performances, exquisite cinematography, and layered exploration of colonialism's legacy and the universal search for identity and redemption, "This Island" establishes itself as a vital voice in Caribbean cinema. Its accolades at Tribeca are well-deserved, marking it as a must-see for those who seek powerful, authentic, and beautifully crafted social dramas.