Self-exiled to a remote East Indies island in 1913, Heyst (Willem Dafoe) makes a fateful journey to what passes for civilisation where he meets Alma (Irène Jacob), part of a dubious all-girl orchestra and terrified she's about to be sold to the local hotel owner. Heyst agrees to help her escape; on his island they become lovers, but their existence is menaced by soldiers of fortune Jones (Sam Neill), a dangerous degenerate, and his 'secretary' Ricardo (Rufus Sewell), who are after Heyst's non-existent treasure. As is inevitable with a Joseph Conrad story, the characters intertwine to provide a climax of violence, tragedy and triumph. Slow patches are inevitable with this author, but the skill of the storytelling is strong, and the four leading performances command attention.


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