Period drama fans will love this new film set in stunning Mauritius in the 1920s
Bridgerton fans will love Prisoners of Paradise(Image: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)
Fans of Bridgerton are set to be captivated by a tale of “forbidden love” set in 1920s Mauritius.
Starring Ellie Bamber and Mehdi Dehbi, the film is described as a “haunting, tragic love story” that is “woven into a complex tapestry of beauty and brutality”.
Willow star Ellie plays Lucy, a 17-year-old who has been orphaned and so is sent to live with her uncle George on the idyllic island, where everything seems perfect thanks to its turquoise waters and golden sugarcane fields.
However, all is not what it seems and beneath the beauty of the island “lurks a sinister system of abuse, oppression, and control”. And Lucy’s uncle, who is played by Rupert Penry-Jones, may not be quite as charming as he appears to start with.
A synopsis said: “As Lucy begins to see the cracks in this picturesque island, she encounters Krishna (Mehdi), an indentured labourer bound to a life in stark contrast to her own. His kindness and quiet defiance awakens something in her that the world around her forbids.
“Both their lives have been shaped, bought, and sold by men who trade in power behind closed doors. In each other, they find freedom and purity.
“Their forbidden love becomes their refuge: a secret island paradise untouched by the ocean of darkness surrounding them.”
“But this paradise cannot last,” it continues. “As the forces determined to keep them apart close in, Lucy and Krishna must decide if their love is worth everything it will cost them.”
The film – which also stars Rhona Mitra and Amy Beth Hayes – is based on the novel Prisoner of Paradise which was written by Romesh Gunesekera.
It was originally due to be called Ambleside, but its name was later changed to Prisoners of Paradise.
The movie is now available to buy in the UK, where it is already drawing fans just days after being unveiled.
“You breathed life into Lucy, captivating us,” one person said on Instagram of Ellie’s performance, as another said: “What a beautiful adventure in paradise.”
Others said it was “amazing” and one person posted a message on the platform saying it was “beautiful”.
Prisoners of Paradise is available to purchase on the Sky Store.