In an era dominated by blockbuster films with jaw-dropping budgets, Michael Duignan‘s The Paragon stands out as a remarkable testament to the power of creativity over cash. Shot in just 13 days on a modest budget of $15,000 in Auckland, New Zealand, this lo-fi sci-fi thriller has made waves at various film festivals and is now set to make its US theatrical debut this fall.
The story follows Dutch, portrayed by Benedict Wall, a down-and-out former tennis coach who is consumed by the need to find the driver who hit him in a hit-and-run accident a year prior. This tragic event sets off a series of bizarre encounters, leading Dutch to unlock latent psychic abilities under the guidance of Lyra, played by Florence Noble. But Dutch’s quest for revenge soon takes a cosmic turn as he is drawn into a battle to find a mysterious crystal known as “The Paragon” before it falls into the wrong hands.
Duignan, a New Zealand filmmaker with an impressive resume of TV series including Power Rangers Dino Charge and Filthy Rich, makes his feature film debut with The Paragon. Despite the tiny budget, the film has garnered praise for its inventive storytelling, clever humor, and the way it embraces its DIY nature to deliver a light yet thrilling cinematic experience.
The Paragon first premiered at the 2023 New Zealand Film Festival and has since appeared at the Sydney Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival. With its US release scheduled for September 6th, 2024, the film promises to be a refreshing departure from the norm for fans of indie and sci-fi cinema alike. If you’re looking for a spunky, clever, and cosmic adventure, The Paragon is a must-watch.
