Maria's Paradise Poster

Maria's Paradise 2019

★ 5.410 votes110 min📅 2019-10-04

"The angel will guide us"

Directed by Zaida Bergroth, *Maria's Paradise* (2019) is a gripping drama steeped in historical tension, where faith and authority collide under the scorching Finnish summer sun.

Director: Zaida Bergroth

Cast

Pihla Viitala
Pihla Viitala
Maria Åkerblom
Satu Tuuli Karhu
Satu Tuuli Karhu
Salome
Saga Sarkola
Saga Sarkola
Malin
Elina Knihtilä
Elina Knihtilä
Saga
Tommi Korpela
Tommi Korpela
Eino Vartiovaara
Rein Oja
Rein Oja
Lindgren
Jan Korander
Jan Korander
Lasse
Sonja Kuittinen
Sonja Kuittinen
Maid Anni
Satu Helena Mikkelinen
Mrs. Vartiovaara
Ilkka Heiskanen
Ilkka Heiskanen
Police Commissioner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maria's Paradise (2019) about?

*Maria's Paradise* is a dramatic retelling of a 1920s Finnish religious sect, where a teenage orphan named Salome grows up under the iron rule of Maria Åkerblom, the sect's charismatic yet ruthless leader. As Salome's doubts grow, she faces a life-altering choice: defy the woman who saved her or accept a future built on blind obedience.

Who directed Maria's Paradise?

The film was directed by Zaida Bergroth, a Finnish filmmaker known for her evocative storytelling and atmospheric visuals.

Who stars in Maria's Paradise?

Pihla Viitala leads the cast as Maria Åkerblom, with Satu Tuuli Karhu, Saga Sarkola, Elina Knihtilä, and Tommi Korpela rounding out the ensemble.

Is Maria's Paradise (2019) worth watching?

With its stark themes of faith and control, *Maria's Paradise* offers a compelling watch for fans of historical drama. While it may not cater to all tastes due to its intense atmosphere, its strong performances and original premise make it a standout in the genre.

How long is Maria's Paradise?

The film has a runtime of 110 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Maria's Paradise (2019) — A Haunting Drama of Faith and Rebellion

Directed by Zaida Bergroth, *Maria's Paradise* (2019) is a gripping drama steeped in historical tension, where faith and authority collide under the scorching Finnish summer sun. The film follows Salome, a teenage orphan sheltered within a secretive sect led by the enigmatic and domineering Maria Åkerblom, who embodies both salvation and tyranny in the eyes of her followers. As Salome navigates the suffocating grip of the community, she must summon the courage to challenge the very woman who once rescued her from the streets.

This atmospheric exploration of power and rebellion unfolds against a backdrop of rigid ideology and fragile human connections. Bergroth crafts a visually arresting narrative that lingers on the psychological fractures within the sect, while Pihla Viitala delivers a standout performance as Maria, blurring the line between spiritual guide and oppressive force. The story's haunting beauty lies in its quiet intensity, where every whispered prayer and raised voice echoes with the weight of moral reckoning.