Dominic Sessa Stuns in 'Shades of Paradise' – What's the Hidden Twist?

**Dominic Sessa Leads Weston Razooli’s Action Film “Shades of Paradise” Shot in Spain**

The film *Shades of Paradise* has just wrapped production in Spain, with Oscar‑nominated actor Dominic Sessa announced as the lead. Director Weston Razooli is steering a sprawling action‑adventure that follows four small‑time criminals thrown into a violent odyssey after a jewel heist.

The movie will be delivered on 2‑perf 35mm film, shot by Simone D’Arcangelo of *The Settlers*.

## Background & Context

Weston Razooli’s first feature, *Riddle of Fire*, premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight and later screened at TIFF Midnight Madness.

He not only wrote and directed that debut but also starred in it, handled editing, and crafted costumes and props. *Shades of Paradise* builds on Razooli’s experience in crafting high‑stakes drama, while the use of 35mm film signals a commitment to a tactile visual aesthetic.

The film’s production was overseen by Academy‑Award‑nominated producer Andrew Morrison, founder of Kaplan Morrison. Kaplan Morrison is a New York‑based company that has already released *The Brutalist*, *The Testament of Ann Lee*, and *Josephine*, the latter winning Grand Jury and Audience Awards at Sundance.

Their recent projects include David Robert Mitchell’s *They Follow* in Los Angeles and forthcoming collaborations with Brady Corbet, cementing a reputation for nurturing inventive, boundary‑pushing voices.

The shoot wrapped in Spain, taking advantage of the country’s varied landscapes to provide a backdrop that feels both exotic and intimately familiar.

## Cast & Crew

Dominic Sessa is joined by a robust ensemble that includes Jack Dylan Grazer, Naira Lleo, Najwa Nimri, Rojuu, Zack Harrod, Teru Castilla Serrano, Romann Berrux, Rhys Mitchell, and Stanislav Baretsky.

The picture also features a large production team: Mark Lampert, Oleg Nodelman and Michael D’Alto as producers; David Kaplan of Kaplan Morrison as executive producer; and a long list of EPs such as Elisa Lleras, Alba Barneda, Marta Cruanas, Claude Amadeo, Randal Sandler, Chris Triana, Heather Nodelman, Michael Barasch, Candy Barasch, Jesse Ozeri, Otto Eckstein, Julia Barasch, Samarth Kulkarni, Anastasiya Siro, Marlowe Griffin Lyddon, Jack Chinery, Brendan Lyddon, Magnus Thomassen, Raju Prasad and Garrett Cayton.

The film’s cinematography is credited to Simone D’Arcangelo.

Razooli’s representation is handled by Range Media Partners and Granderson Des Rochers. Their guidance has helped position *Shades of Paradise* as a standout entry in the current wave of independent action‑drama, attracting distributors keen on films that blend visceral thrills with nuanced character arcs.

## Sessa’s Recent Career Highlights

Dominic Sessa first appeared on the big screen in Alexander Payne’s Oscar‑winning *The Holdovers*, playing Angus Tully opposite Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

His performance earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor and won him Best Breakthrough Performance at both the 2024 Critics Choice Awards and Film Independent Spirit Awards.

More recently, he starred as Anthony Bourdain in the A24 film *Tony* directed by Matt Johnson, working alongside Antonio Banderas, Leo Woodall and Stavros Halkias.

Prior to that, Sessa featured in Stephanie Laing’s *Tow*, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and in the Lionsgate feature *Now You See: Now You Don’t* opposite Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Justice Smith and Ariana Greenblatt. He also appeared in Amazon’s *Oh. What.

Fun.* directed by Michael Showalter with Michelle Pfeiffer and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment and Hansen Jacobson Teller, Sessa continues to build a diverse filmography that spans independent dramas, action thrillers, and mainstream comedies. His growing star power is seen as a perfect match for Razooli’s vision.

## Fan Reaction & Industry Impact

The completion of *Shades of Paradise* has drawn attention from audiences and industry observers alike. The film’s use of 2‑perf 35mm and practical stunts underscores a commitment to traditional filmmaking techniques, offering a contrast to the increasingly digital landscape of contemporary action cinema.

Kaplan Morrison’s involvement adds further interest, given the company’s track record of supporting distinctive voices in independent film.

## Looking Ahead

The collaboration between Razooli’s direction and Sessa’s rising star power promises a fresh entry into the action‑adventure genre, blending gritty storytelling with a classic filmic look that fans of both artists are eager to see.

As the industry continues to balance digital innovation with traditional craftsmanship, *Shades of Paradise* stands out as an example of what can be achieved when ambition meets authenticity.

With post‑production underway, anticipation is building for the film’s eventual release.

Whether it will become a cult classic or a mainstream blockbuster remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the film’s journey from the Spanish hills to the silver screen has just begun, and it promises to leave an indelible mark on both audiences and filmmakers alike.