Prepare for an enthralling blend of romance and suspense as Mystery Island: Play for Keeps premieres on August 17, 2025, exclusively on Hallmark. The film takes viewers to a luxurious corporate retreat on a secluded island, where professional facades quickly crumble under the weight of personal history. When Emilia’s ex-fiancé unexpectedly joins the guest list, old wounds reopen, and tensions escalate—until a shocking murder turns the getaway into a deadly game of secrets and suspicion.

With its picturesque yet ominous island setting, Mystery Island: Play for Keeps masterfully intertwines unresolved romance with a gripping whodunit. As alliances shift and accusations fly, each character becomes both a potential suspect and a target. Hallmark’s signature charm meets Agatha Christie-inspired intrigue in this fresh take on the mystery genre, promising twists that will keep audiences guessing until the final reveal.

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps cast and roles

1: Kezia Burrows as Baroness Jane Alcott

Kezia Burrows brings an air of aristocratic intrigue to her role as Baroness Jane Alcott, a formidable presence at the retreat with secrets as polished as her impeccable demeanor. Known for her commanding performances in period dramas and modern thrillers, Burrows excels at portraying characters who wield influence with razor-sharp precision. Her portrayal of the Baroness promises to add a layer of sophisticated tension to the island’s escalating drama.

With a career spanning acclaimed theater productions and screen roles, Burrows has mastered the art of balancing charm with calculated restraint. Whether playing regal authority figures or cunning antagonists, she delivers performances that linger in viewers’ minds. As Baroness Alcott, she becomes a focal point of suspicion, leaving audiences to wonder whether her poise masks guilt—or if she’s merely a pawn in a deadlier game.

2: Ben McKeown as Simons

Ben McKeown steps into the role of Simons, a corporate enigma whose quiet intensity hints at hidden agendas. A versatile actor with a knack for understated yet powerful performances, McKeown has built a reputation for playing characters who operate in moral gray areas. His portrayal of Simons adds an unpredictable edge to the retreat’s already volatile dynamic.

From gritty indie films to high-stakes television dramas, McKeown consistently brings depth to every role. His ability to convey unspoken motives through subtle gestures makes him a perfect fit for Mystery Island’s tension-filled narrative. As Simons, he keeps viewers questioning whether he’s a protector, a provocateur, or something far more dangerous.

3: Nisha Aaliya as Patricia Collacello

Nisha Aaliya shines as Patricia Collacello, a sharp-witted strategist whose ambition might be the key to survival—or her downfall. Aaliya, celebrated for her dynamic range in both comedic and dramatic roles, infuses Patricia with a blend of charisma and ruthlessness that electrifies every scene she’s in.

Aaliya’s previous work in corporate dramas and psychological thrillers has honed her ability to portray characters who thrive under pressure. As Patricia, she navigates the retreat’s cutthroat environment with calculated precision, making her a standout in the ensemble. Her performance ensures that Patricia’s allegiances—and true intentions—remain tantalizingly ambiguous.

4: Elizabeth Henstridge as Dr. Emilia Priestly

Elizabeth Henstridge, beloved for her iconic roles in sci-fi and drama, takes on the emotionally charged role of Dr. Emilia Priestly, a woman forced to confront her past when her ex-fiancé arrives unannounced. Henstridge’s talent for conveying vulnerability and strength makes Emilia the heart of the story, even as she becomes entangled in the murder investigation.

Best known for her work in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Henstridge has proven her ability to anchor narratives with emotional authenticity. As Emilia, she delivers a performance that’s both relatable and riveting, capturing the turmoil of rekindled feelings amidst a crisis. Her chemistry with the cast adds depth to the film’s central relationships, blurring the lines between personal and professional stakes.

5: Charlie Weber as Jason Trent

Charlie Weber brings magnetic intensity to Jason Trent, Emilia’s ex-fiancé, whose sudden reappearance sends shockwaves through the retreat. Weber, known for his roles in How to Get Away with Murder and action-packed thrillers, excels at playing characters with hidden depths and unresolved conflicts.

Weber’s commanding presence and ability to toggle between charm and menace make Jason a compelling wild card. As the plot unfolds, his performance keeps viewers guessing: Is Jason a victim of circumstance, a master manipulator, or something in between? His scenes with Henstridge crackle with unresolved tension, adding fuel to the story’s fiery core.

6: Barney White as Mickey Carlyle

Barney White injects humor and heart into the role of Mickey Carlyle, the retreat’s resident charmer with a penchant for trouble. White, a veteran of British comedies and dramas, brings levity to the film without undercutting its suspense, making Mickey a fan favorite from the start.

Though often the comic relief, White ensures Mickey isn’t just a one-note character. His performance hints at a sharper mind beneath the jovial exterior, suggesting he might be playing a longer game than anyone realizes. In a story where trust is a liability, Mickey’s loyalty—or lack thereof—could tip the scales.

7: Suanne Braun as Morgan Bennett

Suanne Braun commands the screen as Morgan Bennett, a corporate powerhouse with a reputation for getting what she wants—no matter the cost. Braun, celebrated for her work in *Stargate SG-1* and stage productions, imbues Morgan with a steely resolve that makes her both admired and feared.

Braun’s portrayal ensures Morgan is more than just a cutthroat executive; her performance reveals glimpses of vulnerability, hinting at personal stakes in the unfolding chaos. As alliances fracture, Morgan’s decisions could determine who survives the retreat—and who doesn’t.

8: Emily Eaton-Plowright as Ainsley Trask

Emily Eaton-Plowright delivers a standout performance as Ainsley Trask, an ambitious newcomer whose eagerness to prove herself takes a dark turn. Eaton-Plowright, known for her roles in psychological dramas, captures Ainsley’s transformation from wide-eyed optimism to desperate survival instinct.

Her chemistry with the ensemble adds layers to the retreat’s power struggles, as Ainsley’s actions blur the line between ambition and self-preservation. Eaton-Plowright’s nuanced performance ensures Ainsley remains sympathetic, even as her choices grow increasingly questionable.

9: Victoria Bolt as Viveca Bentley

Victoria Bolt rounds out the cast as Viveca Bentley, a enigmatic guest with ties to several attendees. Bolt, a rising star in mystery and noir projects, excels at playing characters who thrive in shadows. Her portrayal of Viveca adds an aura of unpredictability to every scene.

Bolt’s ability to convey dualities—warmth one moment, icy detachment the next—makes Viveca a fascinating wild card. As the mystery deepens, her character’s true role in events becomes a pivotal question, keeping audiences hooked until the final reveal.

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Don’t Miss the Premiere!

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps arrives on Hallmark on August 17, 2025—mark your calendars for a stylish, suspenseful escape where love, betrayal, and murder collide under the island sun.