In a working-class neighbourhood in Sweden, Laura and her two sisters fend for themselves, left to their own devices by their absent mother. With summer approaching and no parental supervision, their lives are wild, carefree, and chaotic. But when social services step in and call a meeting, Laura faces a desperate situation—she must find someone to pose as their mom, or the sisters risk being placed in foster care. Mika Gustafson’s vibrant and energetic feature debut expertly balances the tension between teenage rebellion and tender vulnerability.

Reviews

‘Paradise Is Burning exudes joy, but also a sense of imminent collapse — and decidedly no cuteness.’
★★★★
Jonathan Romney, The FT

‘Swedish writer-director Mika Gustafson’s feature debut has raw edges…but the whole is fresh, directional and beautifully cut.’
★★★★
Leslie Felperin, The Guardian