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| Paradise (2023) |
The German science fiction movie Paradise, which debuted on Netflix in July 2023, depicts a terrifying near-future in which life itself is turned into a commodity that can be traded. The protagonists of the movie are Max and Elena, a couple thrown into a hopeless fight against a system that exploits the underprivileged in order to prolong the lives of the affluent.
The film begins in a civilization that has been revolutionized by AEON, a cutting-edge biotech company. They have created a method for basically selling years of your life to someone who can pay it. This leads to a clear division between the wealthy elite, who lead lavish lives, and the underprivileged masses, who must forfeit their futures in order to survive financially.
Max, who was formerly an AEON adherent, now employed in the marketing division. Despite the moral uncertainty of the system, he feels that technology presents an opportunity for a better existence. But after a terrible medical disaster leaves them deeply in debt, their affluent life falls apart. Elena must make the painful choice to give AEON 40 years of her life as they face the possibility of losing their house.
The cost of the sacrifice is high. Elena, who was previously lively and full of life, starts to appear weak. Max gets obsessed with obtaining Elena's time back because he is driven by remorse and a need for justice. He digs more into AEON's underbelly and reveals a network of exploitation and corruption. Donors are left penniless after having their futures taken away from them. In the meantime, the affluent class takes advantage of weaknesses in the system and manipulates it to prolong their lives indefinitely.
Desperate, Max turns to "The Time Eaters," a gang of rebels operating underground, for assistance. This motley crew of campaigners opposes the lifetime transfer system's inequity. They contend that despite its possible advantages, technology is being exploited to maintain the existing social strata in society. Max at first hesitant to adopt their extreme strategies, but he ultimately comes around to their steadfast dedication to opposing the system.
Max is at conflict with AEON and puts his own life in danger because of his connection with the rebels. He discovers a sinister, maybe fatal truth regarding the lifespan transfer procedure. In an effort to overthrow the established order, the rebels organize a risky operation to reveal this secret to the public.
A dramatic confrontation between Max and the merciless AEON executives sets up the movie's finale. The rebels succeed in their mission to reveal AEON's secrets.
VIDEO RECAP OF PARADISE (2023)
CAST OF PARADISE (2023)
Kostja Ullmann as Max
Corinna Kirchhoff as Elena (alt)
Marlene Tanczik as Elena (jung)
Iris Berben as Olivia Theissen
Lisa-Marie Koroll as Marie Theissen
Lorna Ishema as Kaya
Numan Acar as Viktor
Alina Levshin as Sophie Theissen (jung)
Tom Böttcher as Nils
Gizem Emre as Eva (Clinic)
Lisa Loven Kongsli as Lilith
Dalila Abdallah as Lorna
Simon Amberger as Moderator (MC)
Zemyna Asmontaite as Female Therapist 2
Jan Beller as Bornheim (AEON)
Alida Bohnen as Erika (AEON)
Aleyna Cara as Pamina Yildrim
Cynthia Cosima as Strömquist
Other Info
Director: Boris Kunz
Writers: Simon Amberger - Peter Kocyla - Boris Kunz
Movie Genre: Action - Thriller - Sci-Fi
Release Date: July 27, 2023
Country of Origin: Germany
Filming Locations: Lithuania
Production Company: NEUESUPER
Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes