Paradise: Love (2012)

In the vibrant landscape of Kenya, a peculiar breed of tourism thrives, a world away from sun-soaked safaris and cultural immersions. This is the world of "Sugar Mamas," middle-aged European women who flock to Kenya's beaches seeking love, or its closest approximation, from the handsome young local men. At the heart of this comedic yet poignant narrative is Teresa, an overweight, fifty-year-old Austrian navigating the complex terrain of this unusual marketplace of affection. Teresa, initially shy and brimming with disbelief, is astounded by the attention she garners from these buff, beautiful Kenyan men. As she flutters from one muscular beach boy to the next, she becomes a willing participant in this transactional dance of love, seeking solace and companionship amidst the tropical idyll. Yet, with each passing encounter, each subsequent disappointment, the harsh reality of her situation gradually dawns upon her. The enchanting beaches of Kenya, it seems, are not merely a paradise of sun and sand, but a bittersweet marketplace where love is just another commodity up for sale. As Teresa grapples with this unsettling truth, the film asks us to question our understanding of exploitation. Is it the European women who exploit the Kenyan men, trading wealth for fleeting moments of desire? Or is it the young men who exploit the loneliness and vulnerability of these women for monetary gain? In its blend of biting humor and profound sadness, "Paradise: Love" presents a complex exploration of desire, exploitation, and the commodification of love, leaving us with a lingering question: in this paradise of love, who is truly exploiting whom?

Paradise: Love is a drama movie featuring Margarethe Tiesel.

Paradise: Love is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and VUDU Free and it's also available on MUBI.

It is also possible to buy Paradise: Love on Amazon Video.