Paradise (2023): a film review by Mark R. Leeper.
‘Paradise’ is a German Science Fiction film that delves into the intricate connection between time and money, reminiscent of its predecessor, ‘In Time’. While ‘In Time’ was notably influenced by the 1987 short film ‘The Price Of Life’, both films seem to draw their core ideas from the age-old proverb: Time is money.
In ‘In Time’, a chip essentially operates as a countdown timer of one’s life, working similarly to a debit card. Time can be added to or subtracted from this chip. ‘Paradise’ introduces a more complex narrative where time can be transferred between individuals through an intricate procedure involving DNA matching. This concept of transferring lifespans brings to mind the themes explored in ‘Never Let Me Go’. However, it’s worth noting that ‘Never Let Me Go’ offers a touch more scientific grounding compared to the approach in ‘Paradise’.
The storyline in ‘Paradise’ unfolds predictably: the protagonist is an ardent advocate of the time-transfer procedure until a twist of fate places his wife at a disadvantage. As the plot unfolds, viewers are met with a series of revelations. Some characters aren’t who they initially appear to be, while others undergo significant transformations as events progress.
For those familiar with classic television, there’s a subtle nod to ‘The Twilight Zone’ episode titled ‘The Long Morrow’.
‘Paradise’ premiered for streaming on 27 June 2023. It boasts a rating of +1 on a scale ranging from -4 to +4, or 6 out of 10. The film is sure to resonate with fans of speculative fiction who enjoy pondering the relationship between time, value, and morality.
Mark R. Leeper
(c) Mark R. Leeper 2023
