Paradise: Faith

Anna Maria, a fervent Catholic, attempts to convert Muslims in Africa while her husband, also a devout believer, seeks solace in a different form of devotion. The film explores the complexities of faith, sexual desire, and the challenging realities faced by Christian missionaries.

Paradise: Faith received a polarized critical reception. While some praised its unflinching, provocative, and artistically daring portrayal of faith and hypocrisy, others found it excessively shocking, exploitative, and gratuitous in its depiction of disturbing themes. It divided audiences and critics alike.

• Praised for its bold and uncompromising artistic vision in exploring extreme faith.

• Criticized for its highly controversial and often disturbing content.

• Acknowledged as a challenging but thought-provoking examination of religious extremism and human frailty.

Google audience: Google users appear divided, with many finding the film deeply unsettling and difficult to watch due to its graphic content. Others acknowledge its artistic merit and willingness to tackle taboo subjects, but a significant portion express discomfort and disapproval.

Screened in competition for the Golden Lion at the 70th Venice International Film Festival. Nominated for the Golden Lion.

Director Ulrich Seidl stated that he wanted to create a film that would provoke a strong reaction and force viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about faith, desire, and societal norms.