A suspenseful thriller that delivers in an entertainment desert!
Review of Paradise Cove!
When Goin' Hollywood first got our interview setup with director Martin Guigui, Paradise Cove was not on our radar. Fast forward to early March 2021, we finally got to catch up with Martin and talk about his amazing life. There are some interviews that we do that are by the book and straight forward, and sometimes everyone on the call finds themselves in an extremely fortunate situation where we all feel a genuine connection, all over a love for cinema. Martin was the latter, by the end of the call The Ghost, Martin, and myself were all feeling that connection, and to quote Martin "this is the kind of thing I get out of bed for"! So naturally I couldn't wait to check out Paradise Cove...it did not disappoint!
Paradise Cove is a suspense driven thriller revolving around a small and intimate cast. The stage is set when young couple Knox & Tracey arrive in Malibu to begin a renovation project at Knox's late mother's home.
Knox & Tracey, played by Todd Grinnell & Mena Suvari
Knox & Tracey have outstanding chemistry as Guigui and writer Sherry Kline slowly reveal more about the couple's personal struggles as the story unfolds. From questionable choices made by Knox's deceased mother to fertility issues as they try to conceive, which is made all the more difficult by the stress that the project is putting on the couple. I would like to point out that Guigui and Kline managed to touch upon several social issues throughout, namely the subject of infertility and how the world reacts to it. Several scenes allow for Suvari to express an unspoken despair of someone who wants more than anything to be a mother, but is struggling to make that a reality. Add in Knox having problems with zoning that interfere with the plans that he has, the couple already have quite a bit on their plate. Enter Bree, the unhinged and unwelcome guest that they just cannot manage to escape!
Bree, played by Kristin Bauer Van Straten
Bree is a force to say the least. A very original antagonist, Bree is a homeless woman that torments the couple, who just want peace. Bree brings with her an energy that is very original and yet familiar at the same time. The best way to describe her is if you combined a femme fatale with Hannibal Lector. She somehow manages this odd combination of seductive and attractive, while also pulling off the dirty and homeless vibe, but ALWAYS with an edge of unbalance madness
Holy crap, what is going on here?! Guess you'll have to watch to find out!
We won't go too far into the plot, as it unfolds spectacularly around the three main characters, as well as a parade of minor characters that help round out the various situations happening to each character. Guigui & Kline also manage to explore another social dynamic very well; homelessness. The film looks at the concept from several different angles, which really seems to point out the fact that it is an extremely complicated situation that doesn't have one simple answer.
Paradise Cove trailer!
Want to see it for yourself? Check it out here on Amazon!
Want to hear from the director himself? Check out Goin' Hollywood's interview with Martin Guigui!
JD hosts Goin' Hollywood alongside his cohost, The Ghost. Goin' Hollywood is a film podcast exploring everything film, from the great to the terrible, and everything in between. To listen to Martin's interview, as well as all of our current episodes, go to goinhollywoodpodcast.com
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