In 2012, writer and director Scott Graham’s Shell was released. A low-key, gripping film set in a desolate part of Scotland featuring an excellent performance from Chloe Pirrie. His follow-up, Iona, has a very similar setting of a remote Scottish island.
A woman, Iona (Ruth Negga) arrives on the island, with her 15-year-old son Billy (Ben Gallagher). It soon transpires she grew up there, and when the two of them arrive at Daniel’s (Douglas Henshall) house to stay, long-buried secrets start to reveal themselves, and the reason for them leaving their home becomes apparent.
The story had enough layers to keep my interest, and the scenery is breathtaking but it is hindered by a couple of faults. There is too much repetition, such as Iona introducing her son as Bull and Daniel’s endless scrambled egg cooking! Also, unlike, Shell, there isn’t any character I could find a connection with. Henshall is as good as always, but the younger cast do not impress at all.
A film that promised a lot, but was in the end disappointing.
Rating: 6 out of 10