Synopsis
Isla’s Way is both a beautifully touching yet thought provoking portrayal of the life of Isla Roberts which goes beyond the scope of only self discovery, grit, and even the emphasis of rebellion toward the conventions dictated by society. This imagery seems to echo in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia in which this notable figure is presented in the film. Once a competitive carriage driver at the age of 87, now Isla wanders in her memories starting off as a car mechanic in the most remote regions, all while starting her own family and fulfilling her dreams honestly. With Susan, her partner for approximately over 40 years which features throughout the film paving a stunning love narrative that quietly subverts stereotypes of aging, heteronormativity, and the essence of gender itself.
Awards & Wins
The documentary has garnered widespread acclaim and has picked up several awards, including:
- Best Australian Documentary Feature at the 2024 Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
- Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Adelaide Film Festival.
- Excellence in Storytelling award from the Australian Film Critics Guild.
Cast & Crew
- Director & Writer: Marion Pilowsky
- Known for her ability to balance humor and pathos, Pilowsky delivers another winner with this heartfelt piece.
- Cinematographer: Ryan Haskill
- Captures the serene beauty of South Australia’s rural landscapes while highlighting Isla’s charisma.
- Composer: Amanda Brown
- Former member of the Go-Betweens, her music underscores the emotional beats of the film with sensitivity.
Key Personalities:
- Isla Wakefield Roberts: Herself, the fearless central figure whose journey inspires and challenges viewers.
- Susan Phillips-Rees: Herself, Isla’s partner, whose quiet strength and love are vividly portrayed.
IMDb Ratings
On IMDb, Isla’s Way has a high rating of 9.1/10, a testament to its impact on audiences. User reviews highlight its “uplifting message” and “raw authenticity,” praising it as a “must-watch for anyone seeking meaningful stories.”
Themes & Analysis
The themes in Isla’s Way resonate deeply, offering both personal and universal reflections.
- Breaking Gender Norms: Isla’s career as a bush mechanic and later as a carriage driver showcases her defiance of conventional gender roles, making her a feminist icon in her own right.
- Queer Representation: Her decades-long relationship with Susan is portrayed with tenderness, challenging stereotypes about LGBTQ+ relationships and highlighting the nuances of queer aging.
- Resilience and Independence: Isla’s life exemplifies the strength required to navigate societal pressures, rural isolation, and personal tragedies while maintaining an unshakable sense of self.
Personal Insights
Isla’s humor and candidness are undoubtedly appealing to the audience as one may say. Her lack of polish also makes her relatable, but her age makes one regard her wisdom. To witness someone live life in their own fashion, without the world’s constraints in terms of the unwavering pursuit of goals, is simply amazing. The relationship between Isla and Susan also provides a new angle to concepts such as ‘friendship’, ‘loyalty’ and even ‘quiet defiance’.
Cultural Significance
More than a film, Isla’s Way is more of an archeological texture. It dares the audience to engage in other aspects of a person such as sex or even age. The portrayal of a rural life of a queer elderly woman adds a new perspective to the debates around representation in the film industry. isla’s lifetime experience also documents the changes in the history of human evolution of rights of LGBTQ community in Australia where her life traces the history in a nutshell.
Production Highlights
Equally remarkable are the events which surround the production of the film. Thanks to Marion Pilowsky, who spent three years with Isla, the results have been a very intimate and poetic documentary. The camera work is complementarily composed of close-ups of individual faces and pictures of the surrounding countryside to provide a two-dimensional perspective of Isla’s psyche and the environment that formed her.
Where to Watch
- Streaming: Available on platforms like The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Apple TV+.
- Rent/Buy: Available for digital rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Google Play Movies.
Why You Should Watch It
If you are fascinated by tales of extraordinary lives or are interested in human beings’ essence, then Isla’s Way is a cinematic experience that will not leave you indifferent. She embodies what has been described as authentic living and exemplifies the love and power of individuality.
