The acting is superb, the story is a compelling one; however, it’s the execution and the overall feel of the movie that fails to deliver.

by Rosa Parra

Watch our entire EDEN Coverage PLAYLIST.

Directed by Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard, this film is based on a true story. Starring Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl, and Sydney Sweeney, *Eden* unravels the shocking tale of a group of disillusioned outsiders who abandon modern society in search of a new beginning. They settle on a remote, uninhabited island, but their utopian dream quickly unravels as they discover that the greatest threat they face is not the brutal climate or deadly wildlife, but each other. What follows is a chilling descent into chaos, where tensions escalate, desperation takes hold, and a twisted power struggle leads to betrayal, violence, and the deaths of half the colony.

I had no idea this story was based on real events; it adds another layer of seriousness and relatability.

The performances are one of the film’s strongest aspects. With such a talented cast, it can be challenging for any actor to stand out. However, Sydney Sweeney delivers an exceptional performance. She portrays Margaret, the wife of Heinz (played by Daniel Brühl), and embodies a traditional, old-fashioned young lady groomed to be a devoted wife. Her character’s primary focus is to serve her husband and family while expanding their household. 

The story unfolds over a year, during which we see Margaret become pregnant. From that point on, Sweeney’s performance continues to impress and evolve. The rest of the cast also delivers solid performances. Ana de Armas offers a strong interpretation of her character, although it is a role similar to what we have seen from her in the past—provocative, sexual, and manipulative; the only distinction is that she delivers it with an accent this time. Jude Law and Vanessa Kirby also provide excellent performances. 

The story is a compelling piece of history worth revisiting. However, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed that it didn’t fully dive into the thriller horror aspect. There was a lot of potential to do so, considering the main exploration of this story is the human condition. The extent to which human beings are willing to go to achieve their ambitions. It’s a cruel reminder of what humanity has experienced for hundreds of years. There are people who want to stay away from the wars, criminals and uncertainty of survival. Then there are those who simply want a simple, quiet life. Then there comes the overly ambitious rich person who has no concern for other people’s boundaries, much less needs. An ambitious person whose colonial mindset is to continue colonizing whatever their feet can touch. 

The acting is superb, the story is a compelling one; however, it’s the execution and the overall feel of the movie that fails to deliver. The movie feels hollow, empty. It lacks a soul. Even though these characters faced a range of challenges, in the end, I didn’t care about any of them. Their outcomes weren’t important. Except for Margaret’s, whose outcome I only cared about due to Sweeney’s performance, and because I relate to her motherhood. It’s a disappointment that such a promising story and performances were not fully realized in the film’s execution. 

The score by Hans Zimmer adds an eerie atmosphere, but it isn’t enough to fully immerse the audience. 

Overall, “Eden” is a mixed bag. Its soulless feel and lack of a consistent tone undermine the experience. Despite strong performances and a compelling story, the film fails to justify the ticket price.. 

Rating: 5/10.