PLOT: A young woman wakes up at a strange and exotic school designed to train well to do girls with behavioral issues. However, she soon comes to the realization that those in charge may not have her best interests in mind.
REVIEW: Emma Roberts is well known for her work on the hit series American Horror Story, so it’s not surprising at all for her to bring her talents to something like PARADISE HILLS. Directed by Alice Waddington, this fantastical feature tells the tale of a sort of rehabilitation center for troubled teenage girls. This colorful and strange experience is a bright fantasy of sorts, one that at times resembles a slightly twisted take on Alice in Wonderland. Alongside Emma, you’ll find an intriguing mix of on-screen talent which includes Danielle Macdonald, Awkwafina, Eiza Gonzalez, Jeremy Irvine and Milla Jovovich who plays “The Duchess.” There are things to admire in this fanciful fable with a message – even if it takes a few leisurely passages along the way. Let’s take a trip to the enchanting landscapes of Paradise Hills and find out what this crazy world is all about.
In this story, Roberts is Uma, a young woman who awakens in an unrecognizable room unaware of where she is, or why she is there. The only thing that is clear is that the surroundings are gorgeous, on what could easily be some sort of island resort. She soon finds that she has been sent to a high class reform school. There she meets a popular singer named Amarna (Gonzalez), a heavy set young woman named Chloe (Macdonald) and a rebellious girl by the name of Yu (Awkwafina). The four have been sent to this hidden utopia in hopes to improve their questionable behavior. For Uma, it was her unwillingness to marry a man that she doesn’t love. The school, run by a suspiciously kind woman simple called “The Duchess” (Jovovich), attempt to keep the girls in line and without questioning their current situation. However, as time passes, it becomes apparent that this hideaway may not have their best interest in mind.
PARADISE HILLS is an intriguing experience. It’s also a familiar one. We’ve all seen movies where people are sent to improve behavior, but something insidious is lurking in the shadows. However, this vibrantly staged feature always remains quite lovely to look at. Even when the layers are peeled back, there is still a ton of flowery imagery and imaginative set pieces. One sequence finds Uma strapped onto a carousel horse that lifts high above the ground. Once it stops, she's shown a series of propaganda fueled messages from her despised groom to be. Even during the final act, there is beauty in the reveal of how dark and insane the secrets of Paradise Hills are. You could certainly look at a film like this, and find similarities in perhaps MIDSOMMAR or something like The Handmaid’s Tale as recent examples. This however is certainly fanciful and strange as it presents the girls’ in Victorian style garments surrounded by tradition and proper behavior, with a little science fiction imagery for good measure.
Over the years, Emma Roberts has become synonymous with genre, especially from her previously mentioned work in AHS. Much like the recent season, AHS: 1984, the actress is taking a break from playing the darker, mean-spirited characters. This time, she is a kind but spirited young woman who isn’t interested in her family deciding whom she should marry. She, and her co-stars, are all effective in playing young women that are sympathetic. Perhaps it’s Roberts and Gonzalez that have the most accessible relationship. The two play off of each other nicely, and manage to bring a sense of charm to this odd little flick. As well, Milla Jovovich is wonderfully weird and wicked. The actress is clearly enjoying taking on this material, and offering us a character that is strangely compelling.
As fascinating as this story could have been, it does meander a bit early on. Once we are introduced to the girls and this island paradise, the film lavishly explores the location but the pacing is occasionally a bit slow. While the moments with both Roberts and Jovovich are appealing, the film still takes awhile to hit its stride. Even still, this stylish little fantasy is worth the wait. When the final act arrives, it’s far more exciting than the lackadaisical beginning would lead you to believe. There is an energy here in the impressive set design, the opulent atmosphere, the impressive cinematography and a score that bursts with an electronic edge.
PARADISE HILLS is a lush and occasionally provocative feature, one that creates a strange sense of wonder and weird. Emma Roberts gives a strong performance as the young and questioning lead, and Milla Jovovich is clearly having a terrific time playing the baddie. Occasionally this fanciful tale teeters into a dull – although certainly stylish – hour and a half, the second half brings it to life. If you are looking for something creative and unusual, there are elements of both in this futuristic fable. While far from perfect, it's an experience that may be worthwhile simply for the mood and style alone.