Diana Silvers and Kristine Froseth are two young actors whose star power is on the rise. Froseth was one of the stars of Netflix show The Society (whose second series was cancelled due to complications resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic) and Silvers has gone from strength to strength since appearing in Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart. The pair now unite on-screen for Parisian ballet school set Birds of Paradise.
Directed by Sarah Adina Smith, the story originally started life as the novel Bright Burning Stars by author A. K. Small. Smith then set to work adapting the novel and has created the perfect sandbox for these two talented young actors to star in. In Birds of Paradise, the pair play rivals-turned-friends whose intense relationship throws the futures of both into turmoil. Upon arriving at the cutthroat and internationally-renowned institution of ballet, Kate’s (Silvers) confidence and emotional fortitude are tested by fellow dancer Marine (Forseth), who is still reeling from her brothers suicide. Whilst confrontational at first, the relationship evolves into an emotionally-charged, competitive union beset by lies, sexual awakening and, ultimately, emotional breakthrough as they risk everything to win the school’s ultimate prize: a contract to join the Opéra national de Paris.
Froseth and Silvers are stunning as Kate and Marine, the actors clearly having bonded with, not only each other, but also their on-screen counterparts. The performances are sensational and the chemistry between the two is electric, pushing Birds of Paradise out above some of its fellow Young Adult adaptations.
In the run-up to the release of Birds of Paradise, we were lucky enough to speak with both leads and found out how they found the world of ballet, and to get their insight into this rather magic project.
Birds of Paradise will be available on Amazon Prime Video Friday 24th September.
