Film Review: Paradox Lost *Spoilers Ahead*

Paradox Lost

Starring: Danny Cymbal, Dennis Curlett, and Clarissa Thibeaux
Released: 2021

What a breath of fresh air. I feel like I have been waiting a lifetime for a fresh story that was not a sequel, prequel or remake. Finally, I got my wish in Paradox Lost. Directed and written by Dennis Curlett, we are taken on a journey that completely warps your mind and leaves you craving for more. Danny Cymbal stars as Barnaby, a man, who like many of us, is worried about his future. He strives for success, giving up anything he feels stands in his way including the love of his life, Rose (portrayed by Clarissa Thibeaux). 

He seems to go through the motions until he hits the successful break he's been looking for however fate has a different path for him when Copper (Dennis Curlett) pops into his life. No really, he literally pops into his life; from thin air; really, not a joke. Anyway, Copper is an odd, awkward fellow who possesses a picture of Barnaby, claiming he (Barnaby) is his father. I feel that with the appearance of Copper, the audience tends to slip into Barnaby's shoes. We're feeling exactly what he's feeling: fear, confusion, curiosity and so on and so forth. Though there is a lot of mystery, surrounding Copper, he brings a bit of comedy relief to a dark story. While we share in Barnaby's "what" disbelief that Copper is who he is, we see Barnaby grow to the idea of being Copper's father but also come to the realization that those "distractions" he worked to get rid of, were actually the biggest mistakes he made in his life. This is his second chance but of course, it's not without its obstacles. 

I don't want to tell you everything because I want you to go see it for yourself however I will tell you that what I viewed is honestly amazing. When you reach the end of the film, you're left hungering for more. My literal reaction to the ending was "Dennis, really? What? Why?" Believe it or not, that is not a negative reaction. I find myself satisfied with the film but I am hungering for more from its creator. What I love about Paradox Lost is not just the bits of comedy, the darkness, the light in the darkness, the intensity, but it is how the story leaves us with our thoughts. When you reach the end you realize the meaning of the title Paradox Lost. 

We are constantly changing, striving to prevent the worst from happening but sometimes even when we walk the line, we still encounter the wall of the worst or at least what is our worst. This is what I walked away with from the film. What if...what if we explored that world of what if...what is the worst that can happen? We get lost in our own paradox and sometimes we lose ourselves. This is an inspiring film and I look forward to what will come next in Dennis's career and all those involved.