Paradise Hills (2019), directed by Alice Waddington, is a visually stunning, genre-bending film that blends dystopian elements with psychological drama. Set in a beautiful but eerie island retreat, the film explores themes of control, societal expectations, and the cost of perfection. With a star-studded cast including Emma Roberts, Danielle Macdonald, and Awkwafina, Paradise Hills offers a visually arresting and emotionally charged narrative that explores the struggles of young women in a world where appearances and conformity reign supreme.
Plot Summary
The story follows Uma (Emma Roberts), a young woman who wakes up on a mysterious island called Paradise Hills, a rehabilitation center for rich girls who need to be “fixed” in various ways. Each woman at Paradise Hills is sent there by her family, undergoing treatment to “improve” some aspect of herself, whether it’s her physical appearance, her behavior, or her emotions. The island is a lavish, surreal environment designed to reshape its inhabitants into ideal versions of themselves.
Uma is there because of a tragic event in her past, and although she doesn’t quite know the specifics of her treatment, she quickly begins to feel that something is wrong. The seemingly perfect world of Paradise Hills soon begins to unravel, and Uma discovers that her treatment is more sinister than she initially thought. The rehabilitation process is designed to erase the individuality and freedom of its residents, forcing them into a mold of societal perfection that robs them of their autonomy.
As Uma befriends the other women in the center, she begins to uncover dark secrets about the institution, including its founder, the mysterious Duchess (Milla Jovovich), who oversees the process. With the help of her new friends, Uma plots an escape, determined to regain control of her own life and challenge the oppressive forces that seek to reshape her. Paradise Hills becomes a surreal journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and resistance against the forces of conformity.
Why Paradise Hills is Worth Watching
- A Unique Visual Style: One of the most striking aspects of Paradise Hills is its visual design. The film’s aesthetic is a beautiful blend of surrealism and dystopian luxury, with vibrant colors, intricate costumes, and dreamlike landscapes that evoke both a sense of beauty and foreboding. The setting of Paradise Hills is at once captivating and unsettling, with its opulent but sterile atmosphere. The lavish decor and fantastical visuals emphasize the dissonance between the island’s beauty and the dark undertones of its purpose.
- Themes of Control and Conformity: Paradise Hills dives deep into the societal pressures placed on young women to conform to certain standards of beauty, behavior, and success. The film critiques the pursuit of perfection and the damaging impact it has on individuality and personal freedom. The center’s attempt to “fix” the women reveals a disturbing metaphor for how society often seeks to control and mold women into idealized versions that fit a particular narrative. It raises important questions about autonomy, freedom, and the cost of achieving an idealized version of oneself.
- Strong Performances: The film boasts a talented cast that delivers strong performances, particularly Emma Roberts in the lead role of Uma. Roberts brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to her character, capturing Uma’s emotional struggle as she navigates the psychological and physical trials of Paradise Hills. Danielle Macdonald and Awkwafina also provide memorable performances as the women Uma befriends, offering moments of levity, heart, and solidarity amid the tension. The ensemble cast contributes to the film’s emotional depth, making the story of these women’s struggles both relatable and moving.
- Psychological and Emotional Depth: Beyond its striking visuals, Paradise Hills is an exploration of the emotional and psychological toll that societal expectations can take on individuals. The women in the film are not just physical objects to be “fixed”; they are complex characters with pasts, trauma, and dreams. As the story progresses, the film delves into themes of identity, self-worth, and the desire for freedom. It poignantly highlights the internal battles that each character faces as they try to reclaim their sense of self in an environment that seeks to strip them of it.
- A Feminist Narrative: At its core, Paradise Hills is a feminist film. It centers around the empowerment of women and their fight against the forces that seek to control them. The protagonists of the film are not passive victims; they are active agents in their own destinies, challenging the oppressive forces of the institution in order to regain their autonomy. The narrative emphasizes solidarity among women and the importance of supporting one another in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful statement on the strength of female bonds and the resilience of women in the face of oppressive systems.
- Subversion of Fairytale Tropes: While Paradise Hills may initially appear to be a fairytale-like story of self-discovery, it subverts the genre by twisting traditional tropes. The island itself, which might initially seem like a paradise, turns out to be a prison for its inhabitants. The fairy godmother figure, in this case, is replaced by the sinister Duchess, who seeks to control rather than liberate. This subversion keeps the audience on their toes, offering a fresh take on familiar narrative elements.
Final Thoughts
Paradise Hills is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of perfection, control, and freedom. With its striking aesthetic, strong performances, and poignant commentary on societal pressures, the film offers a unique and captivating experience. At its heart, Paradise Hills is a story about reclaiming one’s identity, resisting conformity, and the power of solidarity in the face of oppressive systems. While it may be unsettling at times, it is ultimately a hopeful tale of empowerment and self-discovery.
For those who enjoy films that challenge conventional narratives and explore deeper psychological and social themes, Paradise Hills offers a visually beautiful and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
