Film Review: James Prineas’ comedy ‘An Island Named Desire’

·

Journey to the surreal heart of Kythera in James Prineas’ new comedy, where humour, myth, and stunning landscapes collide in an absurdist tale that’s as enchanting as it is unpredictable.

In An Island Named Desire, the irresistible elderly siblings George and Poppy return to the screen and to Kythera after an adventurous six months in Australia, where they faced off with crocodiles and came back in style – with a chauffeur, limousine, and bags of cash. But they’re back with different hopes: Poppy dreams of her sheep and zucchini, while George wants daily champagne breakfasts.

Things soon get absurdly complicated, as hidden secrets emerge and metaphysical encounters challenge them, leading to a fateful showdown with The Prince of Darkness himself – played by Chilean heartthrob José Lezaeta in a nod to Bergman’s The Seventh Seal.

The cinematography in An Island Named Desire is hypnotic, capturing Kythera’s essence in a way that resonates universally – whether you’re a longtime lover of the island, have family roots there, or are simply a newcomer to its allure. Sweeping shots of abandoned villages, jewel-toned pools, and the timeless, rugged landscape bring Kythera to life as a mythical paradise. With every frame, the island transforms into a character of its own, echoing its rich history in art and legend, from Watteau’s idealised depictions, to ancient Greek tales of desire and beauty.

Prineas presents Kythera as if it were the most enchanting real estate on Earth, inviting viewers to fall under its spell, lingering in a place where wonder, humour, and absurdity blend seamlessly against a stunning Aegean backdrop.

Blending dark humour with absurdist twists, the film immerses viewers in a magical Kythera where anything can happen. The locals, playing exaggerated versions of parodies of themselves, lend a cult charm to the story.

Prineas crafts a poetic vision of the island, with Katya Sourikova’s score weaving in natural sounds and nostalgic Greek melodies. Evoking both classic cinema and Greek humour, An Island Named Desire is a uniquely odd comedy that captures the Aegean spirit and will leave you both enchanted and laughing.

Event Details

  • 4pm Sunday, November 17th
  • Rated PG, 90 minutes.
  • UNSW Mathews Theatre
  • Botany Street, Randwick
  • Free parking in Uni car park on the weekend
  • Book at: https://www.trybooking.com/CWRET
  • $20 adults, $12 Children under 18

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mytilenians strike gold at first-ever Hellenic Bowling Cup in Sydney

The inaugural Hellenic Bowling Cup rolled into action over the weekend, bringing together Samians, Kytherians, and Mytilenians in Sydney.

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney to be presented by Benchmark Greek Law

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney has announced its presenting partner for 2025, Benchmark Greek Law.

Greek Australians heading to Europe face travel disruption as Middle East conflict escalates

Airlines with flights between Australia, the Middle East and Europe are rerouting services and cancelling flights due to Middle East conflict

Tomaras brothers plead guilty over twin attacks in Sydney’s Glebe

Wolli Creek brothers Yianni Tomaras, 33, and Meneleos Tomaras, 30, have pleaded guilty to affray after attacking a former friend twice.

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou slams rate hike amid cost-of-living crisis

Former Cumberland mayor and current councillor Steve Christou was the lone voice opposing a 7.1% council rate rise at this week’s meeting.

You May Also Like

King Charles III wraps up Australian visit with a nod to Greece

As King Charles III and Queen Camilla wrapped up their visit to Australia, the King donned a tie adorned with the Greek flag.

Alex Gatis, who was shot by brother, urges court to sentence sibling to home detention

Alex Gatis, who was shot by brother at his Adelaide home, has urged the court to sentence sibling to home detention.

Greece look to prevent new generation of bad loans after coronavirus

Preventing an increase in soured bank loans is a top priority for Greece as it grapples with the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic.