Prisoners of Paradise is a romantic period drama set in 1925 Mauritius. The film follows Lucy Gladwell, a 17-year-old orphan sent from England to live with her uncle. She defies social rules by falling in love with Krishna, a local laborer. The movie had its world premiere at the 2025 Boston Film Festival, where it won seven awards including Best Film. Now, it is getting a wider release in August 2026 through Vantage Media in North America and Signature Entertainment in the UK.
US and UK Release Dates
Prisoners of Paradise arrives in the United States on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. UK and Ireland audiences can get the film starting Monday, August 10, 2026.
The film carries a TV-14 rating and has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It is distributed by Vantage Media in North America and Signature Entertainment in the UK.
Where to Watch Prisoners of Paradise
For now, Prisoners of Paradise is available to own on digital platforms in the US from August 4 and in the UK from August 10. The film is not currently streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. A streaming release date has not been announced yet. Theater ticket availability starts from August 10, 2026.
The Story Behind the Film
The movie is based on the novel The Prisoner of Paradise by Romesh Gunesekera, a Booker Prize-nominated author. The story takes place on the island of Mauritius in 1925. Lucy Gladwell arrives from England to live with her uncle George Huyton in his plantation house. Her uncle plans to marry her off for money, but Lucy refuses. She falls in love with Krishna, a local laborer.
The official synopsis reads:
“Love was their greatest rebellion. Set on the enchanting island of Mauritius in 1925, recently orphaned Lucy is sent to live with her charming but controlling uncle. When she defies his plans to marry her off for financial gain, she falls deeply in love with Krishna, a handsome local labourer. To be together, Lucy and Krishna must risk everything and defy a world determined to tear them apart.”
Cast and Crew
Ellie Bamber plays Lucy Gladwell. Bamber is known for Nocturnal Animals, The Serpent, and Willow.
Mehdi Dehbi plays Krishna. He is best known for his leading role in Netflix’s Messiah.
Rupert Penry-Jones plays Uncle George Huyton. He has appeared in The Batman, Match Point, and Spooks.
Rhona Mitra plays Betty. She is known for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and Hollow Man.
JJ Field plays Harry. He appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger.
Edward Akrout also stars in the film.
The film is directed by Mitch Jenkins. He previously directed A Million Days and The Show. The screenplay was written by Jason Wingard, Alan Govinden, and Jenkins. Producers include Alan Govinden, Maria Govinden, Julia Govinden of AMG International, and Paula Crickard of Atelier 11.
Filming and Production History
The film was shot in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of the most high-profile movies to shoot on the island of Mauritius. The project was originally titled Prisoners of Paradise, then changed to Ambleside, and later changed back to its original name. The story is inspired by the lives of producers Alan and Maria Jesus Govinden.
Awards and Recognition
Prisoners of Paradise had its world premiere at the 2025 Boston Film Festival. It won seven awards at the festival, including Best Film.
Why You Should Watch Prisoners of Paradise
Prisoners of Paradise offers a classic forbidden romance story with a fresh setting. The island of Mauritius provides a visually stunning backdrop that audiences rarely see on screen. The film explores themes of love, identity, and defiance against social rules.
Kellie Mutch, President of North America Distribution at Vantage Media, said:
“Prisoners of Paradise is exactly the kind of film we exist to champion, we were immediately drawn to Prisoners of Paradises’ emotional depth and timeless storytelling. It’s a visually stunning and deeply resonant film that speaks to universal themes of love, identity, and defiance. Ellie Bamber delivers a performance that will define her as a major international star and we’re excited to introduce North American audiences to this rare powerful story.”
Danielle Gasher, CEO of Vaneast Pictures, added:
“Prisoners of Paradise is a once-in-a-generation love story, born from a place of deep personal meaning and brought to the screen with extraordinary beauty and care. Vantage Media has embraced this film with the passion and strategic vision it deserves. Together we are going to introduce North American audiences to a story they will not forget, set in a paradise they have never seen on screen before.”
The film is based on a novel by a Booker Prize-nominated author, adding literary depth to the story. It also features a talented cast of British and international actors.
Also Read: Mr. Hero (2026) Movie Plot, Release Date and Where to Watch
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