Mystery Island

Name: Mystery Island
Genre: Resort/Vacation, Brief Acquaintances
Released: 2023-01-01
Duration: 1 h 24 min
Rating: 5.7
Cast: Elizabeth Henstridge, Charlie Weber, Kezia Burrows, Matthew Chambers, Randy Domínguez

5.7/10 · 1,028 ratings20231h 24mWeirdness 4/10Bingo card

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The premise

Dr. Emilia Priestly, in need of some relaxing vacations, goes to Mystery Island, an immersive murder-mystery-themed resort. As the game begins, tragedy strikes: the resort's reclusive founder, is murdered.

Themes:Justice vs. Games Legacy and Obsession Professional Burnout The Truth Behind the Mask

How unusual is it?

A fairly classic Hallmark setup with a quirk or two.

Who’s in it

Our Girl

Elizabeth Henstridge

as Dr. Emilia Priestly

Our Guy

Charlie Weber

as Jason Trent

Alongside them

Show all 10 cast

Behind the camera

Show

Directed by

Nicholas Humphries

Written by

John Christian Plummer

Wait, what?

The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.

The victim committed suicide using a drone-mounted dart gun to frame a business rival.
The plot hinges on a complex Gaelic counting rhyme (Hevera, Devera, Dick).
The resort owner previously blinded his butler in a fencing accident.
A fitness influencer tries to frame a police psychiatrist for murder using a fake breakup note.

Every trope, all in one place

Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 23 to find more movies that do the same thing.

How it all plays out

Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.

Full story (spoilers)

Dr. Emilia Priestly is a psychiatrist who consults for the Metropolitan Police, but after being threatened by a killer, she decides to take a break. Her friend, Baroness Jane Alcott, invites her to Mystery Island, a high-end resort where guests live out murder mystery scenarios. Upon arrival, they meet Detective Jason Trent, who has a cynical view of the island due to a past incident where Murtaugh assaulted his butler, Fredericks. The weekend's game begins with a cryptic recording from 'John Mariner' (a pseudonym for Murtaugh), but the fun ends when Emilia and Jane discover Murtaugh’s actual corpse in a secret room. Jason is called in to lead the investigation, and Emilia offers her psychological expertise. The suspects include Carlos Del Fuego, a hedge fund manager who was secretly buying out Murtaugh; Morgan, Carlos's wife who was being pursued by Murtaugh; Phoenix Green, a fitness influencer and Murtaugh's jilted ex; and Riley Peel, a fake journalist looking for an exposé. The tension escalates when Lucia, a resort staff member, is found dead in a river after attempting to blackmail the guests. Emilia and Jason eventually decode a nursery rhyme clue based on Scottish Gaelic counting systems. In a classic 'parlor room' reveal, they explain that Murtaugh, knowing he was dying of terminal cancer, staged his own murder using a drone-mounted dart gun to frame Carlos, whom he hated for trying to commercialize the island. Lucia's death is revealed to be an accidental fall during a struggle with Morgan. The film concludes with Carlos offering Emilia and Jason roles as consultants for the resort's future mysteries, hinting at a budding professional and romantic partnership.

Beat by beat

Opening
Emilia is introduced as a police psychiatrist who is burnt out and agrees to a vacation on Mystery Island with her friend Jane.
Inciting Incident
During the first night of the mystery game, Emilia and Jane find a secret passage and discover the real body of the resort owner, John Murtaugh.
Midpoint
Detective Jason Trent arrives and begins interviewing the wealthy investors, while Phoenix Green attempts to frame Emilia for the murder.
Rising Action
Lucia, the resort assistant, is found dead in the river, complicating the investigation and suggesting a second killer or a cover-up.
Climax
Emilia and Jason gather the suspects and reveal that Murtaugh committed suicide via a drone-fired dart to frame Carlos for murder.
Resolution
The case is closed, the island's future is secured under new management, and Emilia decides to continue her work as a consultant.

23 tropes in one movie

We counted 23 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.

How it stacks up

Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.

Among the lower-rated Hallmark movies — the median is 6.4.

Where this one fits

The corners of the catalog Mystery Island belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.

Mystery IslandPart of the 4-film Mystery Island series.

BINGOWealthy guests become suspectsA shared meal around a crowded tableA big event everyone is preparing forAn old keepsake or photograph turns upThe leads laugh at the same momentThe lead works as a doctorA nervous voicemail goes unsentThe love interest is a police officerA cute dog or catSomeone races to catch the other before they leaveA meaningful look held a beat too longA walk-and-talk through town★A character loses their memoryA pep talk that changes everythingThe two leads are forced to work togetherA wise elder dispenses adviceA cup of cocoa, coffee or ciderA classic Hallmark meet-cuteThe reclusive founder hides behind a pseudonymA resort staffer resorts to blackmailA local business is savedA staged game death turns out realGuests play out a scripted murder mysteryA charming local cafe or diner

Hallmark Bingo

Your Mystery Island card is dealt.

Twenty-four squares pulled from this movie’s own quirks — the cosy classics, a few only-in-this-one curveballs, and a couple of decoys. Mark them as you watch.

Open your card

Lines worth quoting

The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.

“I think people who need to tell others how smart they are have a healthy ego, which may be masking deep insecurities.”
— Emilia PriestlyAnalyzing the resort owner's 180 IQ claim.
“I just don't like people turning murder into a puzzle game.”
— Jason TrentExpressing his distaste for the Mystery Island concept.
“The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck one. The mouse ran down.”
— John Murtaugh (Recording)The nursery rhyme clue that hides the identity of the 'killer'.

Meet the characters

Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.

Dr. Emilia Priestly
Lead
Psychiatrist and Police Consultant
AnalyticalObservantBurnt-outIntelligent
Jason Trent
Love interest
Police Detective
Professional partner and romantic interest
CynicalDedicatedGrievingSharp
John Murtaugh
Antagonist
Resort Owner / Mystery Writer
The victim and ultimate architect of the crime
EccentricVindictiveGeniusTerminally ill
Jane Alcott
Supporting
Baroness
Best friend
WealthyLoyalMystery-obsessed

Questions people ask about Mystery Island

Where can I watch Mystery Island?

Mystery Island is available via fuboTV, Philo, and Hallmark+ Amazon Channel. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.

How long is Mystery Island?

Mystery Island runs about 1 hour and 24 minutes, and was released in 2023.

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