Paradise (2025): A review of the political whodunit

Dan Fogelman’s Paradise is a cerebral and slow-burning thriller, ripping to shreds the fragility of power, morality, and human nature, all within a neatly constructed facade of paradise. With its atmospheric storytelling and a sense of paranoia, the series immerses its viewers into a world where secrets are currency and perception is key to survival.

The premise of Paradise

At its core, this is a political thriller interlaced with elements of psychological drama. The setting is an elite, self-sustaining community constructed to protect its residents from the horrors of the outside world.

Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, played by Sterling K. Brown, is investigating the death of former President Cal Bradford, portrayed by James Marsden. What starts as a typical probe transforms into a horrific spiral of falsehoods when Collins realizes Paradise is not the utopia it claims to be; rather, it's a gilded cage built on manipulation, power struggles, and unspoken rules.

The series brilliantly shifts between flashbacks and the present, revealing layers of conspiracy while uncovering the ethical decay hidden beneath the sweet facade. Each character harbors a secret, and each revelation changes the plot, keeping the audience constantly on edge.

Performances that elevate the suspense

Sterling K. Brown delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying Collins with quiet intensity. His portrayal is layered—haunted yet determined, skeptical yet vulnerable. Nicholson and Shahi are equally compelling, playing pivotal roles in a world that thrives on manipulation.

Though his role is minimal, James Marsden makes an unforgettable impression as the mysterious ex-president whose death sends Collins tumbling into the darkest corners of Paradise.

Nicole Brydon Bloom and Krys Marshall shine in supporting roles, ensuring that every dialogue exchange feels like a meticulously planned chess move in a game of survival.

Writing and direction: An unraveling labyrinth

The prose is exquisite, capturing rich yet subtle layers of tension and world-building. Each scene is steeped in subtext, making the audience question not only the characters' motivations but also the nature of truth itself.

Fogelman and his team of writers construct this show as a psychological maze, where every answer leads to another, more unsettling question. The non-linear storytelling—jumping between past events and the present investigation—adds layers of complexity that reward patience. The deeper Collins digs, the more the show blurs the lines between justice and complicity, morality and necessity.

Visually, Paradise is every bit as contradictory as its name suggests. It's polished, postcard-perfect setting feels all the more unsettling when contrasted with the overwhelming sense of dread.

The camerawork is smooth and professional yet captures the smothering beauty of a place that seems to exist under constant surveillance. Long, lingering shots create an almost paranoid atmosphere, while sudden bursts of violence remind us that nobody is truly safe.

Themes: A mirror to our own reality

Beneath its glossy surface, Paradise is a harsh critique of power and human imperfection. It explores control, privilege, and the dangers of pursuing an idealized perfection. The show poses unsettling questions: How far will people go to maintain the illusion of safety? What happens when survival is treated as a privilege rather than a right?

The deeper philosophical undertones elevate the show beyond a simple mystery. It’s not just about finding out who killed President Bradford—it’s about understanding the system that allowed such a crime to happen. The series excels in its moral ambiguity, leaving viewers questioning their definitions of right and wrong.

The verdict: A must-watch for thriller enthusiasts

This is not a television show one can watch passively. It demands attention, patience, and an appreciation for slow-burning suspense. If you enjoy cerebral thrillers such as Westworld, Severance, or House of Cards, then Paradise will draw you deep into its web of power, control, and the cost of living in a world built on deception.

With strong lead performances, an intricately plotted story, and a thought-provoking narrative, Paradise is set to be one of the most memorable series of 2025. The blend of conspiracy, dark character development, and political allegory makes it more than just entertaining—it’s an eerily familiar reflection of our world, where truth is elusive and survival is a game played by those who can afford the rules.