Birds of Paradise

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 24, 2021

Genre
Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Kristine Froseth as Marine Durand
• Diana Silvers as Kate Sanders
• Jacqueline Bisset as Madame Brunelle
• Stav Strashko as Felipe
• Eva Lomby as Luc
• Solomon Golding as Jameel

Director
Sarah Adina Smith

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Buster’s Mal Heart (2016)
• The Midnight Swim (2014)

Producer
Jonako Donley, Tara L. Craig

Writer
Sarah Adina Smith (based on the novel “Bright Burning Stars” by A.K. Small)

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Amazon Studios, Anonymous Content, Everything is Everything

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense psychological themes
• Drug use
• Sexual content
• Strong language
• Competitive and cutthroat behavior

Movie Story
“Birds of Paradise” is an intense and visually captivating drama that explores the dark side of ambition, competition, and friendship within the high-stakes world of elite ballet. The film follows two young American dancers, Kate Sanders (Diana Silvers) and Marine Durand (Kristine Froseth), who are enrolled at a prestigious ballet academy in Paris. Both are driven by a fierce desire to win the academy’s coveted prize: a contract with the Opéra national de Paris.

Kate, a newcomer and the daughter of a working-class family, struggles to fit in at the elite academy. Marine, on the other hand, is a seasoned dancer with a tragic past, having lost her brother, also a ballet dancer, to suicide. The two girls are initially at odds, but their rivalry soon gives way to a complicated friendship as they push each other to the limits, both physically and emotionally.

As they navigate the intense pressures of the academy, the line between friend and foe blurs. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, obsession, and the psychological toll that such a competitive environment can take on young women. Marine’s grief and Kate’s desperation to prove herself lead them down a path of manipulation, betrayal, and self-destruction, with their friendship becoming increasingly toxic.

The film is visually striking, with the ballet sequences beautifully choreographed and shot to emphasize both the elegance and the grueling physical demands of the art form. The juxtaposition of the beauty of ballet with the darker, more destructive elements of the characters’ lives creates a compelling contrast that drives the narrative forward.

Special Effects
“Birds of Paradise” relies heavily on practical effects and choreography rather than digital special effects. The film’s stunning cinematography, combined with its evocative use of lighting and color, heightens the emotional intensity of the ballet performances and the characters’ psychological struggles.

Box Office Performance
As an Amazon Studios release, “Birds of Paradise” was primarily available on the Amazon Prime Video platform, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film found its audience through streaming, garnering attention for its dark, character-driven story and the strong performances of its lead actresses.

Filming Locations

• Paris, France

Notable Quotes

• “This is not a game. If you want to win, you have to be willing to bleed for it.” – Madame Brunelle
• “There’s no room for weakness. You must be perfect, even if it destroys you.” – Marine Durand

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Sarah Adina Smith worked closely with choreographers to ensure the ballet sequences were authentic and visually compelling. Both Kristine Froseth and Diana Silvers underwent intensive ballet training to prepare for their roles, adding to the film’s realism and emotional depth.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
“Birds of Paradise” is a dark, mesmerizing exploration of ambition and the high price of success in the world of elite ballet. With standout performances from Kristine Froseth and Diana Silvers, the film offers a haunting look at the sacrifices and obsessions that can drive individuals to the edge. It’s a compelling drama that will resonate with anyone intrigued by the intersection of art, competition, and human psychology.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10