Nerdly » ‘Bermuda Island’ VOD Review

13th Feb2023

‘Bermuda Island’ VOD Review

by James Rodrigues

Stars: John Wells, Sarah French, Tom Sizemore, Noel Gugliemi, Victor V Gelsomino, Sheri Davis, Jackson Everest, Wesley Cannon, Bill Victor Arucan, Isabelle Urganci | Written by Michael Mahal, Sonny Mahal, Robert Thompson | Directed by Adam Werth

For his feature-film debut, director Adam Werth throws audiences into the action on the Los Angeles streets. A sting operation results in FBI agents arresting arms dealer Diego Montalban (Noel Gugliemi). He is escorted onto a plane by armed federal officers, although a freak storm causes the flight to crash-land onto the titular island. As the plane-crash survivors separate into factions and grapple with the mysterious island’s inhabitants, the spectre of the TV series Lost looms over the film. While the show was notable for having the most expensive pilot episode at the time, costing $14 million, their catering would likely eclipse this film’s budget.

Early scenes are spent following Diego to give the impression he’s a vital part of the story, which makes it bizarre how he’s barely included after the first act. With such a large cast to follow, it’s an odd decision to spend so much time focused on this unnecessary addition. It would make sense in a 25-episode season, where audiences could be subverted while still having time for characterisation, yet too many of them are dead weight in an 85-minute film.

Already residing on the island is Bruce (John Wells), a survivor with revelations regarding his time on the island and the most interesting character. He’s a rarity amidst the oversized cast, as many are left to deliver lacklustre dialogue through soap opera-style performances as unimaginative caricatures, while others don’t even get that opportunity. Many are victims in a repetitive cycle of death, at the claws of monsters brought alive with cheap costumes.

More time is spent building up unnecessary conflict instead of characterisation, with little hope of exploring it within the swift runtime. One gets the impression the film wanted to depict the treachery of humanity, which can persevere even in the most horrific circumstances, although it’s muddied when delivered so messily. For whatever interest the film may hold, it’s inescapable how it feels like ordering Lost from Wish.com.