A future in which individuals can sell years of their lives for a price is the compelling premise of Netflix’s latest action/sci-fi/thriller, Paradise.

Focusing on two characters who get caught up in the highly controversial system, the good news about Paradise is that it features quality performances and has some well-executed twists and turns. Plus, the first and last third of the movie are quite watchable. 

The problem with Paradise is that two-thirds in, I wanted to fast-forward. Reason being, even though I remained curious about how the story would end, I didn’t want to sit through the inadequately engaging middle third to find out. Things did eventually pick up, luckily, except for the two unnecessarily long shots towards the end which I definitely had to fast-forward.

What seems clear now is that, as per The Island (2005), In Time (2011) and now, Paradise, it is hard to make a great movie about a future time when an individual can sell their time/years of life for a price. I haven’t watched The Island or In Time, but I understand they have similar plotlines and the feedback for both films isn’t great. 

If you’re particularly curious, give Paradise a chance. Alternatively, wait for a future attempt at a better telling of this compelling story. If such a version already exists and I just don’t know, please do share.

Paradise stars a German cast that includes Kostja Ullmann, Marlene Tanczik, Lorna Ishema and Numan Acar.

Happy Film Loving

G