Guava Island's reviews
Media reviews
Roger Ebert
More than a strong narrative or clear-cut message, (the ending is both sincere and silly), 'Guava Island' functions to give Glover a lead role in a film and time to do what he does best.
New York Times
It feels very much like a movie a bunch of friends thought up late one night, perhaps while sharing a blunt, as a party was winding down. This is meant as a compliment.
The Hollywood Reporter
Instead of 'Purple Rain', the film plays more like the 1978 reggae film 'Rockers', preferring the loosest possible narrative to a myth-building melodrama.
Variety
Acting has never been Rihanna?s strong suit, and when the film cuts to her, it?s impossible to ignore one of 'Guava Island?s' fundamental limitations: that she really ought to be singing, rather than reduced to playing Deni?s love interest.
Vulture
At times it feels like a lost student film that?s been languishing in someone?s basement for decades. It?s easy to imagine a more beefed-up version of it, especially given its semi-mythical setting and storyline