Paradise

Set in a quiet, unglamorous town and at a private school, the film uses these settings to contrast inner upheaval with outward normalcy. The town feels small and dull, serving as a backdrop for Willard and Billie’s budding friendship. The private school environment highlights Willard's scholarship and the social adjustments he faces. Together, the setting frames a path toward healing and renewal, hinting at Paradise found through connection.

💔 Family Loss

Lily and Ben carry the weight of their infant son's death, a wound that reshapes their marriage and daily life. The tragedy exposes how grief can push couples into silence and guilt rather than closer together. Willard's arrival acts as a catalyst, forcing them to face unresolved pain and begin to heal as a family. The theme suggests that forgiveness and shared memory are essential for finding a sense of Paradise amid loss.

🤝 Friendship

Willard and Billie form a friendship neither child has known before, a refuge from their troubled homes. Their bond offers mutual comfort, courage, and a sense of belonging they crave. Through playful adventures and honest conversations, they help the adults see their own wounds more clearly. The friendship becomes a catalyst for healing and a glimpse of Paradise in companionship.

🔎 Identity

Willard learns that his father was not on sea duty, but left for another woman, shattering his cherished belief about his family. Billie also confronts the absence of a father and wrestles with what 'father' means in her life. The truth-telling process becomes a catalyst for personal growth as both children face fear, longing, and self-discovery. The film suggests that truth, even when painful, can illuminate who you are and help you find where you belong.