What is it about ballet that inspires filmmakers and fans alike? From “The Red Shoes” to “Suspiria” to “Black Swan,” the history of cinema is full of titles dedicated to the art form. Amazon Studio’s “Birds Of Paradise” builds on that legacy with a narrative highlighting the desire for love, fame, success, and friendship. A.K. Small’s popular novel “Burning Bright Stars” serves as the basis for the project.
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The script is adapted by Sarah Adina Smith who also directs ‘Paradise.’ Smith already established herself as a name to watch with her directorial efforts on “Hanna” and “Legion.” The former not only provided her an executive producer credit but helped her create a solid relationship with Amazon Studios. She signed a first-look deal in 2019 utilizing her Everything Is Everything banner. Diana Silvers and Kristine Froseth star as the dancers faced with a rapidly changing lifestyle. Silvers comes off several high-profile performances, notably appearing in “Booksmart” and “Ma.” Froseth herself is no stranger to Adina Smith having previously worked with the director on “Looking for Alaska.”
The film’s official 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.
Legendary actress Jacqueline Bisset also stars in “Birds Of Paradise.” The film debuts on September 24 on Prime Video. Get your first look at the trailer below.
