Most Beautiful Island

Most Beautiful Island 2017

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Most Beautiful Island (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


There’s little in the first half of Most Beautiful Island, directed by Ana Asensio, that hints at the shocking events of its latter part, aside from the involvement of indie-horror distributor Glass Eye Pix. Initially, the film appears to be a typical Sundance selection focusing on multicultural strivers in New York City. At its heart is Luciana (Ana Asensio), an immigrant from Spain trying to escape her past as she navigates Brooklyn—often taking the F line—while juggling menial jobs to survive.

The narrative follows Luciana through a seemingly ordinary day, which includes visits to a doctor she cannot afford due to the lack of insurance and returning to her cramped apartment filled with items clearly tagged with “Not Yours” by her roommate. We witness her as she picks up disrespectful children from school and walks them home, and even dressing up in a playful yet provocative outfit to hand out flyers. Her world is further complicated when her friend Olga (Natasha Romanova), who works with her on the flyering job, requests Luciana to take her place at another gig. The offer sounds remarkably enticing: a chance to earn $2,000 for merely attending a cocktail party, requiring nothing more than a black dress and high heels—no other obligations involved.

Up to this point, Most Beautiful Island unfolds like an ethnographic quasi-documentary, vividly portraying Luciana’s experiences amidst the diverse immigrant hustle in New York City. Each woman depicted is fueled by personal aspirations amidst seemingly endless yet elusive economic opportunities. Luciana often receives support from fellow immigrants, like benevolent shopkeepers who allow her to defer payment, and taxi drivers who dismiss her financial constraints. Yet, some remind her about the harsh reality of self-made luck and the consequences of fate—a theme that becomes painfully evident in the latter half of the film.

The job offer from Olga leads Luciana to a dimly lit basement near the West Side Highway, which proves to be a trap. It soon becomes clear that the glamorous cocktail party is shrouded in darkness as women, marked by numbers in chalk, are subjected to the gaze of well-dressed attendees sipping champagne, while stern men in black stand guard to prevent any escape. The atmosphere grows thick with tension and foreboding as the women are led, one by one, into a “party room.” When Luciana is finally summoned, she is confronted with a surreal yet harrowing reality—a cruel situation that is stomach-churning in its horror, compounded by the realization that many of these women, desperate for money, have willingly put themselves in peril. The experience is disturbingly reminiscent of sexual assault.

In a departure from typical genre expectations, where victims may ultimately rise to confront their tormentors, the women here react in a more realistic manner—they take the cash and flee, devoid of any grand climactic moments or vengeful justice. The film closes with a haunting shot of a stretch of New York City highway, where a dilapidated sign reads: “BIG APPLE BIG DREAMS.” Its grotesque irony resonates more deeply when recalling the film’s introductory note: “Inspired by true events.” This stark reality serves as a chilling reminder of how many vulnerable individuals navigate life today.

Timeline

Track the key events of Most Beautiful Island (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Luciana's Arrival in NYC

Luciana, an immigrant from Spain, arrives in New York City searching for a fresh start. As she navigates through Brooklyn, her struggles reflect the challenges faced by many seeking opportunity in a new land.

Brooklyn, NYC

Daily Struggles

Luciana takes on various menial jobs to make ends meet, showcasing the harsh reality of immigrant life. She faces multiple challenges, including her lack of health insurance, which makes accessing medical care nearly impossible.

New York City

Life with Roommate

Living in a cramped apartment, Luciana constantly grapples with reminders of her precarious living situation. Her roommate's belongings, marked with 'Not Yours', signify both her financial strains and her transient existence.

Apartment in NYC

Picking Up Children

As part of her daily routine, Luciana picks up disrespectful children from school, adding to her already taxing schedule. This interaction highlights her resilience and the responsibilities she shoulders despite the challenges.

School in NYC

Flyering Job

Dressed in a playful and provocative outfit, Luciana takes on a flyering gig to make some extra cash. This job reflects her determination but also underlines the desperation she feels to secure her financial stability.

New York City

Olga's Request

Luciana's friend Olga offers her an enticing opportunity to earn $2,000 by simply attending a cocktail party. The seemingly easy job entices Luciana, leading her to make a decision that will drastically alter her fate.

New York City

The Glamorous Invitation

Pleased at the prospect of a legitimate income, Luciana prepares for the cocktail party. She dons a black dress and high heels, blissfully unaware of the sinister undertones of her new assignment.

New York City

Arrival at the Venue

Luciana arrives at a dimly lit basement near the West Side Highway, which should have signaled trouble. Instead of a glamorous affair, she quickly realizes that she has stepped into a dark and dangerous environment.

Basement near West Side Highway

The True Nature of the Party

In a horrifying twist, Luciana discovers that the cocktail party is a facade for a grim event where women are subjected to the disturbing gaze of well-dressed attendees. The atmosphere becomes thick with foreboding as reality dawns on her.

Party venue

Confronting the Horror

As Luciana is called into the 'party room', she faces the unbearable reality of exploitation and humiliation. The experience echoes the trauma associated with sexual assault, offering a harrowing commentary on vulnerability and desperation.

Party room

Survival Instincts

Instead of seeking revenge against their tormentors, the women choose to take the cash offered and flee from the situation. This pragmatic response starkly contrasts the typical narrative of heroic confrontation seen in many films.

Party venue

Haunting Conclusion

The film ends with a chilling shot of a New York City highway, dominated by a dilapidated sign proclaiming 'BIG APPLE BIG DREAMS'. It serves as a haunting reminder of the brutal realities faced by vulnerable individuals navigating urban life.

New York City Highway

Inspired by True Events

As the credits roll, viewers are left with the somber note that the story is inspired by real events. This brings an unsettling depth to the narrative, urging audiences to ponder the genuine struggles of many immigrants today.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Most Beautiful Island (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Luciana

Luciana is a determined immigrant from Spain, striving to escape her troubled past while navigating life in Brooklyn. She embodies resilience, taking on menial jobs to support herself despite the overwhelming challenges she faces. Her journey reflects the struggles of many immigrants, illustrating both her vulnerability and strength.

👩‍🌾 Immigrant 🌱 Resilience

Olga

Olga is Luciana's friend and co-worker, who introduces her to a tempting but ultimately perilous job opportunity. She represents both the hope and the potential danger of the immigrant experience, as her seemingly innocent request leads Luciana into a nightmarish scenario. Olga's character arcs underline the risks that come when trying to seize elusive economic opportunities.

👭 Friendship ⚠️ Risk

Setting

Uncover the settings of Most Beautiful Island (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film captures contemporary life, highlighting the struggles of immigrants in today's socio-economic climate. It reflects ongoing issues such as financial insecurity, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the vulnerability of marginalized individuals in a city that is both promising and perilous.

Location

New York City, Brooklyn, West Side Highway

New York City is a vibrant metropolis known for its cultural diversity and bustling environment. Brooklyn, one of its boroughs, is notorious for its eclectic neighborhoods and immigrant communities, where many come to build their dreams. The West Side Highway is a major roadway that runs along the Hudson River, a site often associated with both the beauty and the harsh realities of urban life.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of Most Beautiful Island (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Survival

The theme of survival is central to Luciana's journey, illustrating the lengths to which individuals go to make ends meet. The film poignantly highlights the precarious nature of immigrant life, where safety and stability often come at a dangerous cost. This desperate search for survival ultimately leads to harrowing choices and unsettling realities.

🔒

Exploitation

Exploitation is starkly depicted through Luciana's experience at the cocktail party, where the façade of glamour hides a sinister truth. Women are objectified and dehumanized, thrust into dangerous situations under the guise of opportunity. This theme underscores the grim reality faced by many in the pursuit of economic gain.

🌍

Immigration

The movie delves into the immigrant experience, spotlighting the hopes and dreams that drive individuals like Luciana to leave their homes. It captures the contrasting realities of the immigrant hustle in a big city, where aspirations often clash with harsh socio-economic obstacles. The film portrays the camaraderie among immigrants as they navigate challenges together.

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