Varun Patel
Our fantasies and deepest wants can often signal our darkest subconscious fears and be indicative of past trauma. They can quickly turn into our scariest nightmares. That is precisely what the upcoming supernatural horror movie that can also be looked at as a science fiction or speculative horror film, ‘Fantasy Island’ intends to explore.
The film is based on a 1977 television series of the same name. From the first looks and previews, it is said that the movie’s experience will be akin to a mixture of ‘Westworld’ and ‘A Cabin in the Woods.’ Basically, it will explore a mysterious place that harnesses and projects the subconscious and psyche of those involved to reality. Its depiction of the perfect and utopian getaway also looks similar to Danny Boyle’s movie, ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The 1977 television series started out with a couple of television movies that explored the fictional setting’s nature and general premise. Each story varied from character to character and would generally feature a character’s fantasy coming to life. Some of them would be simple stories involving the wish to be reunited with a lost lover. But many times, they would also prove to be quite risky like tracking down a cold-blooded killer.
In most of the tales, the story would take a surprise turn and the characters would end up leaving having changed by the experience. On several occasions, they would leave with a renewed revelation about themselves by living through their most wanted desire. Many times, they would end up interacting with other guests living out their own fantasy and leave the island together. Many of the stories were also often supernatural in nature, but always indicative of some real-world happening for the character involved.
Fantasy Island Plot: What is it About?
The movie is centered around a luxurious resort that makes its guests’ fantasy and dreams come to life. It is run by an enigmatic person named Mr. Roarke who is intriguing in his own right. The island seems extremely utopian at first: providing its guests with fulfillment of their most innate wishes and desires in a harmless manner. However, soon their fantasies start to become twisted and dark.
For instance, a woman who has always secretly wanted to exact revenge on a bully from school finds herself controlling a science fiction experiment like setting with the bully tied in a glass chamber. Soon, she realizes that she can torture her bully in the most sinister ways imaginable. Another guest starts to see a girl from her past which causes her to be extremely disturbed. As the fantasies turn progressively worse, the guests are forced to solve the island’s mystery in order to save their lives and exit the island altogether.
Fantasy Island Cast: Who is in it?
The popular American actor, Michael Pena plays the role of the resort’s manager and head, Mr. Roarke. He can be understood to be the movie’s chief antagonist and one can expect some form of mystery surrounding his character which will be integral to the fictional setting. Pena is currently best known for portraying the lead in ‘Narcos: Mexico.’ He essays the character of a DEA agent, Kiki Camarena in that show. Other than ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ the actor is seen in various movies like ‘The Martian,’ ‘Ant-Man,’ ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and several more.
The American actress, Lucy Hale plays a character named Melanie in ‘Fantasy Island.’ Hale is known for portraying Aria Montgomery in ‘Pretty Little Liars.’ Other than that, she has also appeared in several notable films like ‘Scream 4,’ ‘Bionic Woman’ and ‘The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants 2.’
Moreover, Maggie Q is also a part of the movie’s cast. She is known for playing the titular character on the television series, ‘Nikita’ apart from appearing on ‘Designated Survivor.’ and ‘Mission Impossible III.’ Other actors involved are Austin Stowell, Portia Doubleday and Jimmy O. Yang.
Fantasy Island Crew: Who is Behind It?
The movie is directed by Jeff Wadlow who is known for having helmed ‘Cry Wolf,’ ‘Never Back Down’ and ‘Kick-Ass 2.’ He has also written the move alongside Chris Roach and Jillian Jacobs. Matthew Margeson has composed the movie’s music while Toby Oliver has taken care of the cinematography. Sean Alberston, on the other hand has taken care of the editorial duties.
Columbia Pictures and Blumhouse Productions are producing the movie while it is being distributed by Sony Pictures.
Fantasy Island Release Date: When Does it Premiere?
‘Fantasy Island’ will release in the United States on February 14, 2020. If you are into dark mysterious films or if you are love the 1977 tv series, then you must mark the date on your calendar.
Fantasy Island Trailer:
You can watch the trailer for ‘Fantasy Island’ below. It shows the movie’s creepy tone which portrays dystopia through a seemingly utopian setting which soon turns nightmarish. It does a good job at highlighting some of the fantasies that turn into horrible experiences for the guest. Without giving too much away, it shows some of the movie’s jump-scares and major thrilling premises. It promises to be one of those mindfuck movies that stay in the viewers’ minds for a long time. Plus, it also boasts of several parallel storylines that would intersect to provide a coherent narrative.
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