Mikes Film Talk

The 2023 Fantasy/Comedy The Paragon takes us through psychic training in New Zealand. A man learns the skill in order to hand out some payback. It is not a simple as it sounds though.

The Paragon Story

A car hits a man and he dies. Dutch is resuscitated but can never play tennis again. He seeks revenge on the hit and run driver. Lyra teaches him the skills necessary and the journey is funny. However, there are some things that Lyra is not telling her pupil.

The Cast

Benedict Wall is Dutch.

Florence Noble is Lyra.

Jessica Grace Smith is Emily.

Jonny Brugh is Haxan.

Michelle Ang is Beth.

Cameron Rhodes is Enoch.

Let’s Talk The Paragon

Writer/Director Michael Duignan gives us a low budget treat here. Made for a tiny budget of $25K (Kiwi bucks folks.) This film is a delight. Duignan manages to cram so much into this 85 minute film.

There are multiple universes and parallel dimensions. The Paragon involves an evil brother bent on ruling everything. Plus, we have a psychic verse. One that is entered via Lamaze breathing. The characters, for all their eccentricities, are actually very centered.

Dutch is the Kiwi everyman. A tennis pro, sort of, and a man filled with outrage at his injustice. Wall brings this character to life brilliantly. Lyra is all calm exasperation. Noble brings an incredible amount of depth to this role. She, and Wall, have become new favorites.

The story is multi tiered. While one tier is rather anticlimactic, the other takes the front easily. Lyra’s odd world is much more fascinating than Dutch’s.

It Works

The Paragon may have a small budget but it works. Although, there are things that make no real sense. The clear plastic macs for example. However, the tale is loony enough that we literally cannot stop watching.

One thing that works to the film’s favour is the comedic interaction between Lyra and Dutch. Later on, the trio of Beth, Lyra and Dutch is also rather amusing. It is, though, the double act with Noble and Wall that sells this one.

The Verdict

The Paragon is a solid 5 star film. This one almost effortlessly entertains. It is streaming on Prime, Tubi and Plex right now. Head on over and check it out. See why films from “down under” are top of the list here. *Yes, I count Kiwis as being down under as well.*

The Trailer