A worthwhile Spanish drama about family and genetics, La Isla Interior provides a powerful and sobering look at the crippling effects of mental illness. Cristina Marks stars as Gracia, one of three siblings re-united by the imminent death of their father. Also on hand are brother Miguel (Alberto San Juan) and sister Coral (Candela Pena), as well as dear old mum (Geraldine Chaplin). Dad has long suffered from schizophrenia and the family have long avoided dealing with its legacy, but his passing forces them to come to terms with his—and perhaps their—illness. Though deadly serious in intent, there's an underlying current of dark humor that works in the film's favor, and San Juan delivers a particularly strong performance.
Review of The Island Inside
