Nora Arnezeder and Mario Bello set to headline female-led thriller
Nora Arnezeder, known for her role in The Famous Five, and Maria Bello, recognised for A History of Violence, are teaming up for the thrilling saga Hell in Paradise, a project backed by Europacorp and helmed by director Leila Sy, acclaimed for her work on Street Flow, reported Variety.
Scripted by Karine Silla, the narrative delves into the life of Nina, a young French woman who embarks on a journey to the Maldives, taking up a position as a receptionist at a lavish resort. However, her aspirations for a fresh start are shattered when the hotel is struck by a tragedy, thrusting Nina into a maze of deceit and manipulation. Wrongly accused and sentenced, Nina must navigate through treacherous traps, striving to reclaim her freedom from a paradise turned infernal.
According to Variety, joining Arnezeder and Bello are Alyy Khan, Shubahm Saraf, and Ranjit Krishnama. With Gregoire Melin's Kinology handling global distribution, the lm is set to debut at the Cannes Film Market. Commencing production on May 13, Hell in Paradise promises a compelling tale of resilience and empowerment.
Producer Virginie Besson-silla expressed her connection to the protagonist's plight, highlighting the ilm's thematic emphasis on female empowerment. Drawing parallels to Midnight Express, Besson-silla elaborated on the tense ambience of the narrative set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Shot predominantly in English, with French elements at its inception in Marseille, the lm encapsulates the vision shared by Besson-silla and Sy. Melin emphasised the lm's high production standards, likening it to acclaimed series like White Lotus and the intensity akin to Midnight Express, aligning with Europacorp's legacy of thrilling cinema.