Paradise Highway stands out in the film industry as a unique storytelling endeavor. This original narrative centers on an aging female trucker caught in a perilous sex trafficking operation. A blend of a road trip movie and a thriller set in America’s rural landscape, it emerges from the vision of Norwegian filmmaker Anna Gutto, who has made a name for herself in translating literature, performing in global cinema, and engaging in theater.
The film’s cast is an eclectic mix, featuring French arthouse icon Juliette Binoche, action star Frank Grillo, Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman, TV and film actor Cameron Monaghan, and talented young actress Hala Finley. This combination creates a suspenseful, character-driven narrative that addresses significant themes. Gutto, Monaghan, and Grillo discussed the film’s essence, its characters, and the underlying messages in an interview with MovieWeb.
Anna Gutto on Researching for Paradise Highway
Anna Gutto’s journey as an artist informs her direction of Paradise Highway. After starting her career in Norway’s theater scene as an actor, Gutto transitioned into writing, translating, and directing plays and short films. Her feature film debut focuses on a trucker and her incarcerated brother, with whom she collaborates on smuggling operations. On the eve of his release, she’s faced with the horrifying task of trafficking a child for sexual exploitation.
“I found a group called Real Women in Trucking and their leader, Desiree Wood. I listened in on conference calls where they shared their experiences. This research shaped the characters’ authenticity, with some dialogues taken directly from those conversations.”
Gutto’s dedication to authenticity involved engaging deeply with various communities, such as the trucking industry and anti-trafficking organizations. “I was fortunate to meet many generous individuals,” Gutto noted, highlighting her FBI consultant’s contributions and her ride-along experiences to learn about the trucking life firsthand.
Thematic Exploration of Sex Trafficking
Paradise Highway centralizes sex trafficking, exploring it from multiple angles, including the perspectives of law enforcement, victims, and perpetrators. Gutto asserts that trafficking stems from systemic failures like poverty and a lack of support. “It’s crucial to acknowledge that those who end up in trafficking often come from broken homes or inadequate systems,” she said, emphasizing the societal ill that this film seeks to confront.
Hala Finley’s Breakout Performance
Hala Finley delivers a riveting performance as the child caught in the trafficking nightmare. Gutto expressed her commitment to ensuring Finley felt safe while navigating such a heavy role. “Hala possesses remarkable strength and vulnerability; she truly embodies this part,” Gutto shared, underscoring Finley’s potential stardom.
Grillo’s Dedication to the Project
Frank Grillo, who plays the trucker’s troubled brother Dennis, was so moved by the project that he worked without monetary compensation. “The script was beautiful, and it attracted a talented cast,” Grillo reflected, signifying the collective commitment to telling a meaningful story rather than focusing on paychecks.
Cameron Monaghan and the FBI Dynamic
Cameron Monaghan, who portrays a young FBI agent, was drawn to the script even before the involvement of renowned actors like Freeman. “My character is fresh out of Yale, seeking field experience, while Morgan’s character has decades of experience; their dynamic adds humor and depth,” Monaghan described, emphasizing how the interactions contribute to the film’s suspense.
Paradise Highway ultimately emerges as a compelling cinematic experience that balances weighty themes with a narrative full of surprises. With production by Claudia Bluemhuber, Georgia Bayliff, Michael Leahy, and Anna Gutto, the film is currently available in select theaters, on demand, and digitally from Lionsgate.
