User reviews

I like the work of most of the actresses in this movie, but this movie is not very good. There could have been a kooky sci-fi flick in here, but the writing and pacing is just godawful. Pass on this one, I wish I had.

Watched this on Netflix not having read review or plot. In a nutshell a young adult dystopian Sci-fi movie reminiscent of Stepford Wives without the intelligence, acting, script or direction.

I love the concept and beautiful art direction, but the editing and scriptwriting are not very good esp. at the beginning of the film... Few bad castings, course takes (despite some high caliber talent), and bad chemistry between characters really pushed it towards the territory of unwatchable... The amazing set design and Bjork and Iris Van Herpen-inspired wardrobe kept the film interesting though. I personally put this film in the same category as Oblivion-a beautiful design. As a design 7/10, as a film 5/10. I really wanted this film to be amazing, but it was not...

There's much to enjoy in this movie, which paints a colorful and fashionable future as a dystopia of wealth and lower classes through the eyes of four young women at the mercy of their families. The obvious appeal is visual, from couture costuming, makeup and hair styles, to interesting cinematography and visual effects; for Alice Waddington's first time as director she managed to tie those elements together in a way that maintains interest, and keeps the plot succinctly controlled. Solid performances from Awkwafina, Danielle Macdonald, Milla Jovovich, and Danielle Macdonald keep the audience engaged, and Emma Roberts is eccentrically interesting, though her character confuses.

I like the overall plot concept, which reminds of Stepford Wives with a sci fi twist that has a good level of plausibility. However, a secondary inexplicable "supernatural" layer mars what could have been the more believable story line, and the last 10 minutes either need a lot of additional information for the viewer or, in my opinion, should have been cut completely. While the end adds "excitement" to the finale, for this viewer, it was a futile attempt to add a blockbuster fantasy element that was completely unnecessary. That doesn't make the movie less interesting in the end, and the last moments of the film tie back to the start making a reasonably satisfying story arc. I would have enjoyed learning more about the class distinctions in this society, which would have been far more interesting than spending time on the baffling plot lines aforementioned.

Generally speaking, a movie worth watching; it's a pity the movie didn't have good US distribution; and I'll keep an eye out for Waddington's next.

Oddly I just watched Level 16 last week and there are massive similarities between the two. Main juxtaposition being that this is set in a visually stunning fantasy world, while Level 16 is very bland and sterile. Problem with this film is that between the setup and getting anywhere there's a weak romance plot coupled with weak character development. I really couldn't care what happened in this film.

A very pretty movie. Kept me watching just by the asthetics. The story was a bit all over the shop though and a bit rushed once they found out what was really going on. Would have liked to have seen more from Mila Jovavich character and know more about her because they didn't really give anything away. Wonder if they'll make a sequel

This script was just all over the place w/lots of borrowed from other movies ideas just tossed together in an incoherent messy mishmash. 1. We've got some ballroom scene w/singing on some island in the middle of the ocean (supposedly). Added nothing to the story. 2. Was presented that escape from this island in a small open rowboat in open ocean (no experience/strength in rowing) was possible. 3. You have a vast heavily populated odd group of overseers running the island. Done before in movies. Who paid for it all, who built, who feeds? 4. You have some very poorly & cheaply presented genetic/medical/surgical subplot of surrogate creation. Done before. 5. You have some unknown plant woman capturing some unknown essence of people. Done before. Gawd! 6. Usual romance hook. Poor acting. Jump around editing; lots of plot explanation holes.

I literally can't believe this movie was made on a 10 mil budget . If the director had a slightly more polished script, and perhaps the guidance of more experienced film makers / studio reps - this would be an amazing movie . As it stands , it's pretty damn good and impressive.

Visually - it's wonderful. The costume / set design is truly transportive. I feel like it's been a while since I've seen a fantasy movie like this and it was such a breathe of fresh air. Very original.

I can't wait to see what this director does in her future projects.

In a future world, Uma (Emma Roberts) has been sent to Paradise Hills, a finishing school for the girls of society's elite families. Uma is refusing to give up her inferior boyfriend for an arranged marriage. It's an island retreat run by The Duchess (Milla Jovovich). The other girls include overweight Chloe (Danielle Macdonald), allergic Yu (Awkwafina), and singing star Amarna (Eiza González). Being imprisoned on an island gilded cage is not the end of the horror.

The general premise is fine but the intensity is never raised to a higher level. It reaches the first level of story telling and doesn't go further. There are two conflicting reveals at the end. One is a sci-fi ending and the other is a supernatural fantasy ending. They don't mix well together. This reminds me of an earlier 70's big idea sci-fi movie but it fails to grasp a big emotional payoff.

This is a kind of thing a teenager might enjoy watching because it definitely feels like the story was written by one. Or may be like some obscure comic book adaptation that looks ok on paper but is just too shallow for screen.

I thought the movie had some creepy moments and overall tries to build a feeling of mystery. But the ending was just terrible. We didn't see it coming and it made me angry. Wait for this one at Redbox, trust me. Save that movie theater money for something better.

Paradise Hills was a better fantasy that I was expecting. They handled the fantasy dystopian elements perfectly and the visuals were stanning. However, the story was predictable and that ruined most of the fun. Still, the performances were quite good.

Nice and interesting looks/visuals meet slow plot and a too obvious/blunt metaphor to our modern society (or the critic of) - some of the twists are rather flat (the resolution) or the nature of the Dutchess (how does that make any sense) is out of place. The more you watch the inflation of movies one realizes that writing a good book or script is an art of its own that not many really master. That's in my opinion the weak spot of most movie productions in recent years - the script/story. Anyway, like said, Paradise Hills got nice visuals, a pro production and good acting but lacks heavily any quality regarding the story told. Also I must say (just an example), the rather "well build" girl did - despise the rigorose diet in Paradise Hills - not lose one pound of weight in the movie, but that's the difference a dedicated actor makes - sometimes you gotta do more than just talk and act to fit into or fill a role. To sum it up: mediocre, okay if you wanna some balm for your eyes. Paradise Hills reminds me a lot of The Dead Don't Die - both movies are rather a waste of talent and means and a missed opportunity to make something good and memorable.

It's a bland crossover of "The Island" and a Disney cartoon. Costumes and decorations seemed tasteless and not visually appealing. If you want to see what "stunning visuals" really are, go watch "The Fall". Seems like the writer is afraid of plot twists and any bold and strong moves in general. Characters are flat and boring.

There's no such thing as Teen-vana of course, I just made this up to come close to the song title or rather the group singing it. Now there is quite the interesting story hidden here. It does get a bit soften up to reach a wider audience. At least that's the feeling you get, including romance and other relationships. Though to its credit it is more powerful to that.

But even that can be seen as a cliche overall. Whatever your point of view is, there is a Brazil and other Science Fiction themed movies here. And there is violence to a degree, but it could be more explicit in its depiction. Still the acting is decent and the story alone really holds itself.

Pretty sets. That's about all the good I can say. Storyline, script, acting - boring.

Don't worry about the reviews, watch it you weren't be disappointed. Great acting, good directional debut and the sets and colors were beautiful. Pure Bliss

It's outstanding for the visual effect and dress in the movie. Story itself is not boring and ending is good.

Very much like a perfume advert, crossed with a fairy tale, but wholly unoriginal nor well acted. As if a bunch of happy clappers have got together to say how bad men are and how amazing women are. The actors are normally on point but the director, well too much possibly. Dont fall for the high score, it's employees giving the ratings. The end is appalingly bad, like a scene from the Simpson's or Family Guy. Nod, nod

Like another reviewer, we watched Level 16 and enjoyed it. Netflix recommend Paradise Hills. The positives - visually it looked great and Milla's singing was good. This is about it.

The storyline and script were all over the place. Anyone giving this film anything more than 4 stars is just too nice. I suppose you will only enjoy this film, if you are a fan of Emma Roberts, other than that, please avoid as you will only be wasting your time.