Island is an upcoming K-drama starring Lee Da Hee, Cha Eun-woo,
Kim Nam Gil and Sung Joon. The director of the drama is Bae Jong and the screenwriters are Jang Yoon Mi and Oh Bo Hyun. Here are my thoughts on the trailer of the K-drama, Island.
It is a horror-fantasy action-thriller which involves a lot of larger-than-life and supernatural characters. The trailer is very dark and there is an intentional choice of dark color scheme throughout. But, does all that make it intriguing? It is hard to say yes.
There is a demand for thrillers and horrors from Korea internationally. The trailer of Island seems like an attempt to follow that trend which would cater to a larger number of audience (the makers have already announced a season 2 for the drama). Sadly, I did not feel horrified or thrilled by the trailer for various reasons.
Much of it has to do with the CGI and the VFX used here. The effects are supposed to enrich the drama and make the viewer awestruck. I did not feel any awe watching the trailer. Compared to the technical aspects of the very popular Alchemy of Souls, Island looks like a failed attempt.
There are too many grotesque and uncomfortable scenes within the trailer itself which they could have saved for the drama. And you do not feel anything kind of thrill watching all that. But, it is not to say that Island is not promising.
The Cast
The cast is the biggest strength of Island. With Lee Da Hee playing the central character and Cha Eun-woo playing a priest, there are some things to look forward to here.
But Kim Nam Gil single-handedly saved the whole trailer. The actor has intriguing looks which is mysterious and attractive. He completely stole the show for me in the trailer. Even without a single dialogue in the trailer, his subtle expressions gave away his incredible screen presence. He was brilliant.
Island is the story of Won Mi-ho who is banished by her father into Jeju Island. The adventure that she faces there, with a group of other people and how they struggle to survive, forms the storyline of the drama.
Island airs internationally on December 30 on Amazon Prime.
Arya is a curious soul and nerd who loves books and cinema. You can read her articles on Medium. You can also follow her on Instagram where she talks about her favourite books and movies.