A decent film that balances its good with bad
Danger on Party Island, directed by Danny J. Boyle, tells the gripping tale of Mel Dale, whose world is shattered by her sister’s tragic death. Arriving at Fang Key to retrieve her sister Georgia’s body, Mel’s instincts tell her something isn’t right. Determined to uncover the truth, Mel launches her own investigation into Georgia’s demise.
The movie fans like a classic investigative thriller, beginning with Mel’s arrival on Fang Key to identify her sister’s body, which has been badly disfigured from a cliff-jumping accident.
Despite the challenges, Mel recognizes Georgia by her tattoo. Suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Georgia’s death, Mel dives deeper into her sister’s life. Georgia worked at Paula’s resort as a wellness instructor, but Mel’s intuition suggests foul play. Islanders reveal Georgia’s excessive partying and drinking habits, fueling Mel’s drive to crack the enigma surrounding her sister’s untimely death.
While the storyline may seem familiar, it’s the character of Mel that truly shines. Unlike the typical fearless heroines of mystery thrillers, Mel is portrayed as a vulnerable yet determined sister. Throughout the movie, she displays a fierce loyalty to her sister, going to great lengths to uncover the truth behind her death.
Mel’s character development is interesting. Initially introverted and nervous, she undergoes a remarkable transformation, becoming brave and fearless in her quest for answers. Despite facing many dangers and encountering stalkers and criminals, Mel’s staunch love for her sister drives her forward.
Lindsey Dresbach nails it as Mel, bringing that perfect mix of suspicion and bravery to her role. Andrea Prevett shines as Georgia Dale, and James Bobo is spot-on as the suspicious yet friendly Jever Lewis. Adam Harper and Kate Dailey bring Paula and Keaton to life, showcasing the stark contrasts in their characters.
The setting, Fang Key Island, is a stunning backdrop that cleverly masks the dark secrets lurking beneath its beauty. It’s portrayed as the ultimate vacation spot, with all the trimmings for a perfect getaway.
However, the island’s sinister underbelly adds a chilling contrast to its picturesque façade. The islanders of Fang Key are depicted as a tight-knit, kind-hearted community, embodying the charm of a small town where everyone is familiar.
Yet, lurking beneath their peaceful facade, the wealthy elites wear masks of benevolence, hiding their monstrous nature. Their pretentious behavior towards unsuspecting tourists adds more fright to the story. While the movie boasts a strong screenplay, its impact could be heightened with more robust background music.
The reveals of the true villains and the horrors inflicted upon their victims lack clarity, leaving audiences wanting more. The climax, unfortunately, is underwhelming, failing to deliver on the potential of the story.
The story feels real and relatable, the actors totally nail their roles, and the location is just breathtaking, but there are some parts that kind of fall flat. Some characters, like Jever and the police officer, don’t really pack the punch they could have. Plus, the background music is pretty meh, and the climax could’ve been way more detailed.
Overall, it’s a decent watch if you’ve got time to kill and nothing else on your list. But if you decide to skip it, you’re not missing out on anything major.
The screenplay, plot and direction are so cringingly predictable and corny that I was sure that I recognised it as a Danny Boyle movie. I was right!
4/10 from me.