Reviewed on September 8th 2023, at the 2023 Venice Film Festival – Orizzonti. 108 mins
Cast: Bianca Delbravo, Dilvin Asaad, Safira Mossberg, Ida Engvoll
Genre: Drama
Director: Mika Gustafson
In Irish Cinemas: Now
“Paradise Is Burning” is a film that seems intent on challenging the stereotypical images of Sweden as a land of sleek IKEA designs and joyful ABBA sing-alongs. While the movie captures the idyllic beauty of long summer days spent in pine forests and showcases the vitality of youthful, carefree girls, its focus lies elsewhere. The film delves into the lives of a social underclass often overlooked in Swedish cinema, a world far removed from the polished environments familiar to international audiences. It’s a raw and unflinching exploration of a reality that Ingmar Bergman rarely depicted, offering a stark contrast to the more romanticised visions of Swedish life.”
The film is set in a suburban town on the outskirts of Gothenburg and centres around the lives of three sisters grappling with their mother’s absence. Laura, played by Bianco Delbravo, is the eldest at 16 years old, and she carries the heavy burden of keeping her younger sisters, 12-year-old Mira (Dilvin Asaad) and six-year-old Steffi (Safira Mossberg), together. The threat of separation looms large as Laura knows that if the authorities discover their mother has abandoned them, Mira and Steffi will be taken into foster care. In a desperate bid to protect her family, Laura races against time to find a suitable adult who can pose as their guardian when the social worker visits. She must ensure her sisters are fed, clothed, and cared for, often resorting to shoplifting to meet their basic needs. Over a few frantic days, Laura’s resourcefulness and determination are tested as she struggles to maintain the illusion of normalcy in a world that is anything but. The film delves into the emotional toll of responsibility on Laura and the complex dynamics between the sisters as they navigate a situation that forces them to grow up far too soon.
Mika Gustafson, making her debut as a feature film director, brings a wealth of experience from her documentary work, where she honed a sharp eye for authentic, real-life moments. This expertise shines through in her narrative filmmaking, particularly in her adept use of non-professional actors. The young performers she cast as siblings deliver performances so natural and genuine that it’s hard to tell whether they are incredibly talented or embody characters close to their true selves. Gustafson’s ability to elicit such convincing portrayals speaks to her skill in creating an environment where these young talents can thrive, making their dynamic onscreen presence a joy to watch. Whether it’s the warmth of their bond or the raw moments of sibling rivalry, the film captures their relationship’s essence with a refreshing and deeply engaging realism.
Gustafson’s work in “Paradise Is Burning” is greatly enhanced by the remarkable talents of Danish cinematographer Sine Vadstrup Brooker. Brooker brings a distinct visual style to the film, utilising naturalistic lighting to create a sense of realism within the often-cluttered interiors. Her preference for close-ups allows the film to focus intimately on the characters’ emotions, capturing the nuanced expressions of the actors. The film, at times, evokes a similar atmosphere to Charlotte Regan’s “Scrapper” and Sarah Gavron’s “Rocks”, which also explores the lives of young girls navigating the complexities of life in housing estates during the summer, often in the absence of their mothers. These films, like “Paradise Is Burning”, are characterised by their raw and poignant depiction of adolescence, highlighting the resilience and vulnerability of young girls in challenging circumstances.
Paradise Is Burning is a film deeply rooted in the everyday lives of working-class communities, centring on second-generation immigrants’ experiences. The movie evokes the raw emotional depth and social realism reminiscent of the works of Lukas Moodysson and the Dardenne brothers, capturing the complex struggles of its characters with authenticity and nuance. This film, clearly tailored for the festival and art house audience, found significant success in its home country of Sweden. It garnered widespread acclaim from critics and audiences, leading to multiple prestigious awards. Its combination of solid performances, a gripping story, and social commentary resonates with viewers, marking it as a standout in Swedish cinema.
When Gustafson focuses on the dynamic and atmospheric world of the sisters and their young social circle, she excels in crafting a gripping narrative. The film is at its best when it immerses the viewer in these young women’s intense, chaotic lives. However, as the story shifts to Laura’s relationship with Hanna, an older woman who becomes fascinated by Laura’s penchant for breaking into affluent homes to live out the fantasies of their owners, the film starts to unravel. The character of Hanna, portrayed by the well-regarded Swedish actress Ida Engvoll—known for her roles in “A Man Called Ove” and “The Bridge”—remains frustratingly underdeveloped. The audience is left in the dark about what drives Hanna. Is she suffering from post-natal depression, struggling with marital dissatisfaction, or is there a latent yearning within her that draws her to Laura?
Additionally, Laura’s aunt, who is briefly shown working in a travelling circus, inexplicably turns down her niece’s desperate request for assistance, further muddling the narrative. These narrative gaps suggest that Gustafson might have been more invested in capturing the authenticity of her young actors’ performances, resulting in the adult characters being somewhat neglected. Furthermore, the film suffers from too many false endings, which make its 108-minute runtime feel even longer and leave the viewer with the impression that the film is somehow less impactful than the sum of its parts. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s young cast, particularly the striking Bianca Delbravo, show promise, making it attractive to see where their careers might lead.
Overall: 6.5/10
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