Nim's Island
Directed by Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin
- adventure
- comedy
- family
- fantasy
The story
A young girl inhabits an isolated island with her scientist father and communicates with a reclusive author of the novel she's reading.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated tropical daylight over a small island of sand, palms and bluish lagoon water, with the sea a constant presence in the frame. The look leans toward storybook: sun-warmed greens, turquoise shallows, and a sunny, cheerful palette that stays unhurried even when the film cuts to the hyperactive, dust-coated world of a fearful novelist's apartment in San Francisco, where the colours go flatter and greyer. Camera work is mostly open and easy, with wide establishing shots of the island and playful, slightly animated inserts of the girl's imagined companions. Sound is bright and gently upbeat, with tropical ambience, a light orchestral score and comic sound effects. The vibe is warm, whimsical and mildly adventurous, suited to a lazy weekend afternoon, a family viewing or a light background watch. Pacing is brisk and episodic, with a few small peril beats (a storm, a volcano scare, a leaky boat) that resolve quickly. Tone is sunny and sweet, with a young girl's self-reliance and a nervous adult slowly learning to step outside. Intensity is very low: no real violence or gore, a little peril and mild slapstick, nothing frightening. For families and anyone wanting an easy, comforting adventure with a light sense of humour.
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