What begins as an idyllic family getaway gradually transforms into a gripping examination of compassion, fear and the unintended consequences of doing what feels right in The Last Resort (Paradis). Director Maria Sødahl crafts an emotionally rich drama that replaces conventional thrills with psychological tension, asking audiences difficult questions that linger well beyond the closing scene.
The story centres on Louise and Mikkel, a couple enjoying a holiday with their children on the sun-soaked island of Fuerteventura. Their dream vacation takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Ahmad, a man in desperate need of help. What initially appears to be a simple act of kindness slowly evolves into a situation that tests the family’s trust, values and sense of security.
Danica Curcic delivers a wonderful performance as Louise, capturing the conflict between empathy and self-preservation with authenticity. Esben Smed is equally compelling as Mikkel, portraying a man struggling to balance protecting his family with doing what he believes is morally right.
Sødahl’s direction is patient and confident, allowing the tension to simmer instead of forcing dramatic confrontations. The breathtaking landscapes of the Canary Islands provide a striking contrast to the increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere. Paradise becomes anything but, as the beautiful surroundings amplify the growing sense of unease. The cinematography embraces both the island’s beauty and its isolation, subtly reinforcing the characters’ emotional predicament.
What makes The Last Resort especially compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers. It explores privilege, responsibility and the complexities of helping others without reducing its characters to heroes or villains. Every decision carries consequences, and the screenplay trusts its audience to wrestle with the same moral questions confronting the family.
The Last Resort is a beautifully acted and intelligently crafted drama that proves some of the most compelling conflicts come not from action, but from the choices ordinary people make under extraordinary circumstances. It’s an absorbing, emotionally resonant film that stays with you long after the holiday is over.
Screening at the 2026 Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival.
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