by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How does one handle uncomfortable and disturbing topics in film such as human trafficking? There needs to be a certain layer of finesse that goes into the story and plot so that this serious issue doesn’t just come off as a narrative beat. The ideas need to show respect for the victims without overly fantasizing them. There needs to be a certain level of weight and tension to capture the seriousness of the issue without glorifying the violence around it. A film such as this needs to live in the gray area that captures the complexity of life.
Does writer-director Anna Gutto rise to the occasion with her new thriller Paradise Highway? The story features the trauma of trafficking right at the heart of it. A truck driver named Sally (Juliette Binoche) is pulled into bad work due to her criminal brother (Frank Grillo). But when she finds out that her latest cargo is a young girl named Leila (Hala Finley), she must confront her own sins to do right by this girl. The narrative of this film centers around a few threads that weave together around this trafficking ring. Sally and Leila make up the central thread that sees Sally try to overcome her own previous trauma and bad decisions, to open and give a family to this young girl. Their dynamic is truly the heart of the film. There are the underlying aspects centered around Sally’s brother getting out of prison and trying to ease the tensions between Sally and the criminals who she works for. Then you have an odd couple pair of law enforcement officers with Morgan Freeman’s retired veteran who pushes the boundaries while his younger counterpart (Cameron Monaghan) is strictly by the books. Not all these threads are as fresh as others, but the heart at the center makes this film stand out.
Does Gutto’s presentation do justice to the victims of this very real problem? The film has a gritty and serious tone (captured well by the stark cinematography) that shows that this is a real serious issue. But Gutto is not afraid to show a lighter and endearing side when it comes to the budding connection between Sally and Leila. The film spends plenty of time focusing on the characters and presenting them as real people with plenty of trauma that they must get over. There are some elements that are too familiar and some of the narrative twists don’t deliver enough surprise to be impactful. The law enforcement storyline might also be familiar, but it does challenge the horrible nature of trafficking and the challenges that get in the way of fighting it. You do feel the film’s length, but there are certain elements that carry us forward.
But what are those elements that elevate this familiar but poignant story? The characters and actors paired with Gutto’s direction makes this one special. Binoche is one of the best actresses in the world, and she brings so many layers to Sally. She is conflicted and vulnerable. She is living a horrible life that she never wanted for herself. You can feel the regret behind her eyes. Binoche’s performance is layered and impactful. But most importantly, she has great chemistry with Finley. This young actress soars in this meaty and layered role. She honors the trauma and pain as a victim of abandonment and abuse. Gutto provides her with opportunities to act right to the camera and show what she has. Freeman is offering up one of the best performances he has given in years. There are dimensions to this character, and he offers a wide range of emotions along the way (his moments with Binoche are particularly resonant). Monaghan and Grillo are both filling the roles they need to, but they don’t get the same depth of character. But when it comes down to it, this film needs to be about Sally and Leila, and Gutto delivers exactly that.
Is Paradise Highway a powerful thriller with a message worth experiencing? The familiar beats and tropes cannot keep this quality thriller down. There is too much heart and emotion that shines through both Gutto’s direction, and the tandem of Binoche and Finley. Strong performances, gritty direction, and surprising emotion mix to deliver quite the new experience.
Score: 8/10
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