There's something uniquely captivating about a detective story set on an island. The isolation, the limited cast of characters, and the claustrophobic atmosphere all contribute to a thrilling narrative. Whether it's a classic whodunit or a modern psychological thriller, these films offer a unique blend of mystery, suspense, and the allure of remote locations. Here's a curated list of 10 detective films set on islands that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A police sergeant investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to find himself ensnared in pagan rituals and dark secrets. The island setting is integral to the film's eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, known for its unique blend of folk horror and detective elements.
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The Others (2001)
Description: Set on the Channel Islands during World War II, this film follows a woman who lives in a darkened old house with her two photosensitive children. As she begins to suspect the house is haunted, the mystery unfolds in a chilling manner.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Spain, despite its British setting.
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Shutter Island (2010)
Description: U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island. The film's twists and turns, combined with the isolated setting, make it a standout in the detective genre.
Fact: The film was inspired by Dennis Lehane's novel and features a mind-bending plot twist.
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The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister uncovers a web of political intrigue and secrets on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. The film's setting adds to the sense of isolation and danger.
Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, who himself was embroiled in legal issues at the time of its release.
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The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A young solicitor travels to a remote village on an island to settle the affairs of a deceased client, only to encounter ghostly apparitions and a dark mystery. The film's gothic atmosphere is heightened by the isolated setting.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was a major success, spawning a sequel.
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The Secret of Crickley Hall (2012)
Description: While not entirely set on an island, this miniseries features a family moving to a remote house in Devon, where they uncover dark secrets from the past. The isolated location adds to the suspense and mystery.
Fact: The series was adapted from a novel by James Herbert, known for his horror fiction.
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The Vanishing (2018)
Description: Three lighthouse keepers on the remote Flannan Isles find something mysterious on the rocks, leading to paranoia, greed, and murder. The film's setting on a small, isolated island heightens the tension and mystery.
Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life disappearance of three lighthouse keepers in
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The Girl with All the Gifts (2016)
Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors, including a unique child, find themselves on an island base. The film blends elements of science fiction, horror, and detective work as they unravel the mysteries of their situation.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by M.R. Carey and offers a fresh take on the zombie genre.
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The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: While not a traditional detective story, this film features two lighthouse keepers on a remote New England island in the 1890s, whose sanity begins to unravel. The mystery of what's real and what's not makes it a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white, adding to its eerie, timeless quality.
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And Then There Were None (2015)
Description: This adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel brings together ten strangers on an isolated island, where they are accused of past crimes. As the guests start dying one by one, the tension and mystery escalate. It's a perfect example of how an island setting can amplify the suspense in a detective story.
Fact: This miniseries was filmed on location in Cornwall, England, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the story.
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