Synopsis:
Kate Sanders is an ambitious and gifted, if tomboyish, aspiring ballerina from Virginia who, because of her low-income status, is given a scholarship to attend a prestigious ballet school in Paris, France. Upon arriving at the cutthroat, internationally-renowned institution, her confidence and emotional fortitude are tested by a beautiful, mysterious fellow dancer, Marine Durand, who recently lost her brother (and dance partner) to suicide. While confrontational at first, Kate and Marine’s relationship evolves into an emotionally-charged, competitive union beset by lies, sexual awakening and, ultimately, emotional breakthrough as they risk everything to win the school’s ultimate prize: a contract to join the Opéra national de Paris.
Drive and determination are tools needed to succeed in almost every facet of life. They can set you apart from the competition and oftentimes supplement for natural ability and know-how. However, if you don’t keep your wits about you, it can also cloud your judgment and cause you to act out of character. A friendly competition can take an ugly turn if you forget the ‘friendly’ aspect of it. You may have one shot or one opportunity but you can in fact lose yourself and everything you care about if you don’t stay level-headed. If you’re willing to risk it all, that’s your prerogative, however, if you lose, you have to live with the repercussions of your actions.
“Blessed is she who falls. Blessed is she who rises again.”
Competition at its highest level in any sport or art form is full of interesting storylines, drama, and amazing talent. Ballet is no different and Birds of Paradise proves just that. After its first scene, I thought the film was going to lie in the realm of 2000s’ Center Stage, a film centered around multiple students, the foundation of ballet, and the difficult path to the next level. Based on the novel, Bright Burning Stars by A.K. Small, Birds of Paradise does touch on these aspects, however, it doesn’t tend to linger too long. Instead, the story focuses on the blossoming, decaying, and intimate friendship of two young women from different backgrounds competing for a highly coveted prize. It’s full of fire, desire, betrayal, a tinge of eroticism, and one unforgivable act. On its surface, the film can be viewed simply as rich versus poor or good versus bad. However, neither the story nor the characters are that simple. It ultimately becomes a tale of relentless determination meets impassioned rebellious talent. Delving into the personal lives of our two dancers, the film offers the opportunity to both love and loathe each character. In the spirit of competition, especially of the fierce variety, the roles of hero and villain often change over time.
This is a film with a clear protagonist but no clear heroine. Furthermore, there are multiple instances where winning is losing, and losing is winning that adds complexity to our characters’ final form. With about half of the film’s dialogue being spoken in French, there is a certain level of ethereal beauty that it exudes when coupled with its tone, score, and psychedelic moments. While showcasing some of the darker sides of ballet, its themes of corruption, coping with death, desperation, and trust result in a film that is bleaker than you’d imagine. Diana Silvers and Kristine Froseth deliver great performances with palpable chemistry that should’ve taken the ride it was eluding to. I enjoyed Birds of Paradise more than I expected and you will too. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pacing & Pop
I thought the pacing was done pretty well. For a film of its length, it flew by quicker than expected. What popped for me was the tension-filled competitive nature of the girls’ budding friendship. While their relationship may or may not be viewed as queerbaiting, it definitely would’ve made the storyline more interesting and stronger if they would’ve made them outright queer characters.
Characters & Chemistry
I thought that Diana Silvers and Kristine Froseth delivered great performances as Kate and Marine, respectively. While I’m familiar with the talent of Silvers, Froseth is relatively new to me but seems to be an actress to watch. The competitive and sexual tension they were able to create gave the film life. With Kate being from a somewhat poor background, she relies on her drive to push her to the finish line at the top spot. Marine comes from an affluent background and relies on a lifetime of training and skill. It makes for an interesting and fiery dynamic.
Birds of Paradise is streaming on Prime Video as of September 24, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Sarah Adina Smith
Writer: Sarah Adina Smith
Producers: Sarah Adina Smith, Jonako Donley, Dara Gordon,
Production Design: Nóra Takács Ekberg
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 53m
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
