Cast
View AllPaula Luna
as Roxy
Elina Löwensohn
as Zora
Vimala Pons
as Veronika Sternberg
Agata Buzek
as Katarzyna Buszowska / Kate Bush
Michaël Erpelding
as Olgar 2
Mara Taquin
as Chiara
Claïna Clavaron
as Luz
Claire Duburcq
as Ivresse
Anaïs Thomas
as Climax
Pauline Lorillard
as Kiffer
Delphine Chuillot
as Valeria
Tamar Baruch
as Kate's mother
Camille Rutherford
as Kate's sister
Alexandra Stewart
as Séverine
Nathalie Richard
as The Truth
Crew
Director
- Bertrand Mandico
Producer
- Emmanuel Chaumet
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, After Blue (Dirty Paradise) explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Bertrand Mandico brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of After Blue (Dirty Paradise) took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.7 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 129 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2463 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While After Blue (Dirty Paradise) shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Light That Gathers, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, After Blue (Dirty Paradise) subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Life That Burns and Mad Max 2 explore similar territory, After Blue (Dirty Paradise) stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 20, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Budget: $2,700,000
Where to Watch

