**Nantucket’s Untouched Beauty Captured in ‘The Five Star Weekend’ Adaptation**
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The picturesque island of Nantucket, renowned for its stunning landscapes and charming atmosphere, plays a pivotal role in the new film adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, *The Five Star Weekend*. Directed by Jennifer Morrison, who helmed four of the eight episodes for Peacock, the series brings to life the unique character of Nantucket in a way that has rarely been seen on camera.
Morrison articulated the significance of the location, stating, “Nantucket is very much a character in the book, and it’s very much a character in the show.” Her commitment to presenting the island in its authentic glory was evident throughout the production process. The filming took place over four weeks, a rarity for the island, which has seen only limited filming activity in the past. As Morrison pointed out, “They’ve never had a production film there for as long as we did.”
At the heart of *The Five Star Weekend* is celebrity chef Hollis Shaw, played by Jennifer Garner, who invites friends from different stages of her life—portrayed by Chloë Sevigny, Gemma Chan, D’Arcy Carden, and Regina Hall—to her beach house for a special weekend. The cast and crew were excited to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island, capturing its essence without the repeated visual clichés that have often overshadowed such locations.
Filming in Nantucket presented its unique set of challenges, which Morrison openly acknowledged. “Everything is filled with sand. It looks amazing, but we’re all trying to figure out how to navigate the logistics of it,” she explained. One of the most significant hurdles was filming on the ferry, which required precise timing to achieve the right lighting conditions. “You could only film in one direction on the ferry to ensure the sun was in the right place,” she said.
Morrison reflected on the frantic nature of filming outdoors, summarising the constant battle against time and light: “You’re always chasing the sun. You’re always rushing because the sun only stays in one place for so long and you need everything to match.” However, she noted that these challenges often contribute positively to the final product. “The energy that comes from these challenges can be felt on screen, and it brings an additional layer of excitement,” she added.
The island’s distinct aesthetic was a significant draw for Morrison, who marvelled at its overall uniformity. The strict building codes maintained by the community ensure a cohesive visual style, giving the island an almost magical quality. “It’s incredible how they manage to keep everything so uniform,” she said. “And everyone takes great pride in their flowers and their gardens, which makes for gorgeous visuals that almost feel too good to be true.”
Beyond the stunning visuals and the demands of filming, Morrison also cherished the camaraderie that developed among the cast and crew during their time on Nantucket. She likened the experience to “summer camp,” noting that the shared adventure intensified the bond within the team. “Everybody gets even closer, and there’s a real heartbeat to the team that was already there,” she shared.
*The Five Star Weekend* is now available for streaming on Peacock, allowing audiences to experience both the heartfelt story and the enchanting visuals of Nantucket. The portrayal of the island, combined with the vibrant performances of its talented cast, promises to deliver a captivating viewing experience that celebrates the charm of this unique location.
As viewers immerse themselves in the series, they can expect not just a narrative about friendship and connection, but also an authentic glimpse into the beauty of Nantucket—successfully captured through Morrison’s vision and dedication.