Isabela Quilodrán films in Hawaii in symbolic abuse-survivor drama

Shot in Hawaii in Nov. 2025, “You’ll Be Back” stars Brazilian actress Isabela Quilodrán as Malia, rebuilding her life after an abusive relationship.

Brazilian actress Isabela Quilodrán takes another step in her international run with the short film “You’ll Be Back”, directed by Ben Shipley and filmed in Hawaii. Set against one of the world’s most iconic natural backdrops, the project anchors an intense, symbolic story about the aftermath of abuse and the difficult work of emotional recovery.

Quilodrán plays Malia, a young woman trying to rebuild her life after a violent relationship. What should be a restorative vacation becomes a confrontation with memories and trauma, with the landscape functioning as an external reflection of her inner turbulence.

Hawaiian mythology as metaphor

Inspired by Hawaiian gods and mythology, the short uses symbolism to explore grief, self-discovery, and emotional liberation. The film’s poetic approach speaks to contemporary issues tied to gender-based violence, resonating with wider conversations around prevention and accountability.

With a Brazilian actress leading the narrative, “You’ll Be Back” also highlights how Brazilian talent continues to gain space across U.S. productions of different scales, particularly within the independent scene and festival-oriented projects.

A busy stretch across film and theater

The Hawaii shoot adds to a particularly productive moment in Quilodrán’s career. She currently has another short film in production and is preparing to premiere two stage projects: the Brazilian drama “Banco dos Sonhos” and Agatha Christie’s mystery classic “Murder on the Orient Express.”

At the same time, she is planning a new festival run for “Audition,” a short that has already earned awards and recognition on the independent circuit, boosting her visibility with critics and the audiovisual market.

Moving between cinema, theater, and international sets, Quilodrán is strengthening her name as one of Brazil’s most promising young actresses, guided by socially relevant stories and bold creative choices.

Photo: Ben Shipley