Attack on Paradise – Review | Fantasia (3/5)

ATTACK ON PARADISE is an action thriller premiering at Fantasia 2026. Perfect action-thriller for fans of the iconic The Raid, though more character-driven and less martial arts overall. Read our full Attack on Paradise movie review here!

ATTACK ON PARADISE is getting its world premiere at Fantasia 2026, where the audience is bound to have a blast with it. This is an action thriller with a lead character you’ll actually like. And no, that isn’t always the case. Often, they are brooding or very selfish, which is certainly not the case in this movie.

This movie has a built-in fanbase, almost, as those who enjoyed The Raid (which I did) should also have fun with this one. Overall, this is probably a movie you have fun with and then leave behind quickly. And that’s fine. Not every movie has to be your new favorite or “best ever” for you to enjoy watching it.

Continue reading our Attack on Paradise movie review below. The movie world premieres at Fantasia 2026.

When bad people happen to good places

Attack on Paradise features a plot that has real heart plus intense action. Also, there’s that above-mentioned lead character that you’ll like. His name is Suleyman (Saïd Boumazoughe), and he begins the movie by doing something stupid. Very stupid. He’s provoked, but he knows that they are going for a reaction, and he gives in.

Now, seven years later, he is being released from prison and wants to get back to his normal life. However, a lot can happen in seven years. In Suleyman’s case, his home, the apartment block known as “Paradise”, has been taken over by a gang of drug dealers.

It’s a place that, usually, the police won’t even go to. As a result, the people living there become dependent on the criminals instead. However, when the police do finally decide to raid Paradise, it’s on the day when Suleyman is going back home.

Delivers solid uppercuts

All too quickly, Suleyman gets caught up in the violence between the criminals and the police (some of whom behave a lot like the criminals they’re after) and is forced to fight for his survival. Really, he has just one goal: He must get back to his mother and ensure her safety.

In a strange turn of events, he ends up fighting alongside rookie police officer Yasmine (Clara Cleymans). She is one of the good cops. As a result, she is struggling with being part of a police force that often seems as rotten as the people they’re chasing. Together, Yasmine and Suleyman battle their way up, floor by floor.

First to get his mom, then to get the gangster boss.

With such a simple plot and premise, but also a lot of characters, this is not the most innovative action movie, but the thriller plot delivers solid uppercuts. If you watch it for what it is (which you always should), then it’s solid entertainment.

Attack on Paradise world premieres at Fantasia 2026

The director of Attack on Paradise is Bob Colaers (Trizombie), while star Saïd Boumazoughe is getting credit as the creator. He was tired of always seeing himself as a villain, never the hero. The screenplay also comes from Saïd Boumazoughe alongside screenwriters Sven Huybrechts and Salahdine Ibnou Kacemi.

This movie is a co-production of Belgium and the Netherlands, which means the language spoken is Dutch. However, Arabic is also spoken in scenes, as many of the people trapped in the apartment block are immigrants or descendants of immigrants.

I love that this story tried to focus on having heroes among themselves. They don’t need a John Wick or a Superman (who is also very much an immigrant) to save them. In “Paradise”, they have Suleyman, and he steps up as their hero when needed. It’s a strong premise that you can feel throughout.

With a runtime of 100 minutes, you should just have fun and enjoy the ride.

ATTACK ON PARADISE is getting its World Premiere at Fantasia 2026 on July 19, 2026.

Details

Director: Bob Colaers
Writers: Sven Huybrechts, Saïd Boumazoughe, Salahdine Ibnou Kacemi
Cast: Saïd Boumazoughe, Clara Cleymans, Achmed Akkabi, Jamal Ben Saddik, Imanuelle Grives