Norwegian filmmaker Anna Gutto makes her first full-length feature film debut as writer and director for this film (with only a handful of prior short films),and she did not disappoint.
Sure it wasn't perfect or action packed like everyone expects every movie to be, but Gutto's directing was on point - for a newb filmmaker, and managed to keep that constant tension of suspense.
Her writing did have some continuity and plot issues, and probably needed better editing and some scenes cut down or omitted, because the 115 min runtime felt much longer, especially with the slow pace and extended and/or unnecessary scenes. Even some of the dialogue felt convoluted, and the tone of the film could've been more upbeat.
However, the cinematography and score were spot-on. The casting and performances were excellent and convincing, especially considering Gutto's inexperience in directing her cast. Yet still, little Hala Finley as Leila shined and stole the show with some breathtaking and heart-wrenching scenes.
I actually enjoyed this more than expected, maybe because I have a young daughter and can relate to such atrocities, and found it refreshing that the focus of the police was more on saving the kids rather than catching the bad guys.
For a newb filmmaker making her feature film debut, and the few rookie mistakes forgiven, I applaud Gutto for giving us this gem of a film. It's a well deserved 8/10 from me.
Paradise Highway
2022
Thriller
Paradise Highway
2022
Thriller
Keywords: conspiracytruck driver
Plot summary
A truck driver has been forced to smuggle illicit cargo to save her brother from a deadly prison gang. With FBI operatives hot on her trail, Sally's conscience is challenged when the final package turns out to be a teenage girl.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
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Not a perfect film, but still very captivating in touching on a real huge and terrible international issue.
Who approves these movies
On it's face this should have been nice. Human trafficking gone bad, some FBI agents on the trail.
Alas no. Acting is horrible, script is shallow and dull, characters are downright stupid and cliched beyond all hell. This is another trucker movie that fails at portraying the basics about trucking so we cannot even watch it for that aspect.
This movie has nothing going for it. Freeman was just an old man getting in and out of a car doing nothing. Not even good dialogue was given to him.
Hard pass.
Not what I expected
So many bad reviews. Not all movies are action hero flicks. It played out slow but I was still riveted. The movies tension was not in body count or how the protagonist was a few steps ahead. The tension was in being (as a viewer) emotionally linked with Sally and Leila. There was no need for CGI in this film which these days I found refreshing. Of course Morgan Freeman delivers a perfect performance as always.