Sophie Theissen, played by Iris Berben, is at the helm of AEON, a biotech firm that claims to offer a chance at eternal youth. The company can regenerate limbs and even reverse aging. However, there’s a dark twist: in this German dystopia, the rich pay to reclaim their youth, while the desperate sell off their years just to survive. Many of these individuals come from impoverished backgrounds—refugees or people living in slums.
Max, the company’s top salesman, specializes in persuading vulnerable people to make these drastic trades. AEON thrives until the Adam Group, a radical anti-AEON faction, starts targeting its recipients to expose the company’s ethically shady dealings. Despite increasing violence, AEON’s board (irony intact as they’re all youthful thanks to sold years) pushes Sophie to maximize profits while slashing research funds.
Max’s loyalty is tested when a tragic fire leaves him with a hefty €2.5 million debt, causing his wife, Elena, to trade her remaining 40 years for collateral. Seeing her age rapidly shakes Max awake to AEON’s true nature: it’s systematic exploitation masked as innovation.
Things take a twist when he kidnaps Sophie, believing it’s her, to escape to Lithuania and look for an underground company that can restore Elena’s youth. Unbeknownst to him, he has kidnapped Sophie’s daughter, Marie. The Adam Group catches up, using Marie as bait, leading to chaos that reveals moral cracks in Max and Elena’s character and relationship.
While "Paradise" engages viewers with its gripping plot and skilled performances, it also poses tough questions about wealth and ethics. It mirrors today’s society, where the privileged often benefit at the expense of the less fortunate. Yet, despite its compelling narrative, the film falls short on visual authenticity. The settings and cinematography feel somewhat dated, which detracts from its futuristic premise.
Overall, “Paradise” is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that opens discussions on youth, beauty, and societal values, making it well worth watching.
Rating: 7.5/10. “Paradise” is available on Netflix.
Interestingly, recent studies indicate that discussions around ethical biotechnology and its implications on society are on the rise, mirroring themes explored in this film. According to a 2022 survey, nearly 60% of respondents expressed concern about the safety and fairness of experimental biotechnology practices. As we advance in technology, art like "Paradise" offers valuable commentary on these pressing issues.
For further reading, check out the findings from the Pew Research Center.
Check out this related article: Epic Warfare Unleashed: A Captivating 2025 Film Review & Summary by Roger Ebert
Source link