“Mika Gustafson’s remarkable debut drama, a celebrated triumph at the Venice International Film Festival of the preceding year, appears initially to be a well-trodden path of social realism. Could it be in the same vein as Andrea Arnold’s work, or maybe akin to the early projects of Gustafson’s Swedish compatriot Lukas Moodysson? The narrative involves three children, forsaken by their mother, surviving on their own in a council house. Pursued persistently by officialdom, the eldest child strategizes to obscure their absence of parental care. Thus far, it sounds rather average.
However, what distinguishes “Paradise Is Burning” are its unique semi-rural atmosphere and the deeply invested performances of the film-makers and the actors.
Laura (portrayed by Bianca Delbravo), Mira (played by Dilvin Asaad), and Steffi (enacted by Safira Mossberg) hustle in a friendly disarray. Laura, being the oldest, strives to keep the family united but occasionally finds herself drawn to intruding into nearby homes and casually perusing the homeowners’ belongings.
It appears that their predicament is known by the surrounding community. There’s an impression that the girls are somehow maintaining a functional family unit. They continue going to school and manage to maintain appearances. Threats are periodically introduced in the screenplay, penned by the director and Alexander Öhstrand. There’s a reasonable amount of minor violence around the outskirts of their residence. It’s evident they could be risking their futures, but simultaneously it becomes clear that they’re better off than many of their counterparts in average two-parent households.
Bianca Delbravo (what a fitting name for an actress) delivers a sensational performance as the de facto matriarch. The narrative paints a nuanced image of a girl on the threshold of an unresolved adulthood – balancing household responsibilities with the lingering urges of teenage years. She rarely admits to needing any real adult assistance, but her affinity for Hanna (Ida Engvoll), a benevolent neighbour, hints at potential dependency. Could Hanna possibly pose as their mother to the social workers?
[Mika Gustafson: ‘Actors fascinate me enormously. When a scene truly comes alive, it nearly feels magical’. Opens in a new window]”
Despite its flawless production, Paradise Is Burning seems to lack a steady storytelling beat. The plot appears to be bubbling cheerily in one direction, only to get diverted by some other interest suddenly. However, the beautiful cinematography by Sine Vadstrup Brooker, delicately hovering between urban and rural scenes, consistently holds the audience’s discomforting attention. An auspicious effort from all involved.
The screening of Paradise Is Burning will commence in cinemas from Friday, August 30th.