Ron Howard presents another biographical/historical film with Eden, a thrilling work that borders on psychological horror. The film follows Jude Law and Vanessa Kirby as two philosophical thinkers from Europe in the early 1930s who seek a new life on the previously uninhabited island of Floreana in the Galápagos. Although they have lived there for years, their published news articles about the island attract other settlers, leading to conflict.
One of the core new groups is the Wittmer family, consisting of Heinz (Daniel Brühl), his pregnant second wife Margaret (Sydney Sweeney), and their son Harry. They arrive on Floreana to escape the turmoil of fascism and the looming threat of World War II. Another group, led by the ambitious Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn, aka The Baroness (Ana de Armas), seeks to build a hotel for VIP guests on the island.
“Ron Howard presents another display of a biographical/historical film with Eden, which was as thrilling as it was almost a psychological horror.”
The acting from all the island’s inhabitants is sublime, with the island itself almost playing a role in the film. What may seem like a paradise is, in reality, a hellish place to live. Law’s portrayal of Dr. Friedrich Ritter’s descent into madness is fascinating, offering a deep study of the human psyche breaking down, despite his reputation as a great thinker. Kirby’s Dora Strauch Ritter begins as a supportive partner, helping to run their home and farm, and maintaining Ritter’s spirits as he writes what appears to be his manifesto “to save humanity.” Kirby’s performance becomes even more intriguing as her character’s mind begins to fracture.
Armas steals the show with her flashy and bold portrayal of The Baroness, but Sweeney’s performance may be the best of her career. Her accent is solid, and her delivery is sharp, cutting through the chaos and addressing issues directly. It was reminiscent of Sansa Stark’s evolution in Game of Thrones.
Though the story of Eden is set on Floreana, it was actually filmed in the stunning yet dangerous waters of Queensland, Australia. The cinematography shines, with aerial views, time-lapse shots, and incredible footage of local wildlife—so many iguanas! It’s reminiscent of the b-roll footage used in Survivor, with fog rolling over the mountains in a way that rivals The Lord of the Rings. The nature shots feel like they belong in a BBC nature documentary.
The set design is outstanding, with the three groups of Floreana’s residents each having distinct settlements. It felt like watching a contest of who could build the best home in Valheim or Minecraft. Observing the Ritter family’s trial and error in adapting to the island was like watching a scientific experiment unfold, reminiscent of the anime Dr. Stone.
The score, composed by Hans Zimmer, mirrors the changing seasons in the film, beginning with winter and moving through fall. It seems to pay homage to Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons while symbolizing the characters’ shifting psyches as they encounter new challenges. Zimmer’s music flows from feelings of adventure to dread, love to scheming, and finally, remembrance—delivering the signature Zimmer touch, almost as powerful as his work on Inception.
“Movie goers who enjoy a spectacularly shot thriller in the wilderness will be gripping their seats throughout Eden.“
Moviegoers who enjoy a visually spectacular thriller set in the wilderness will find themselves gripping their seats throughout Eden. The sound design is nothing short of remarkable. The thunderous sounds of gunshots, volcano eruptions, barking dogs, and crashing waves create an intense auditory experience. The precise capture of smaller sounds, like mosquitoes buzzing or centipedes skittering, adds an unsettling realism—gross bugs included.
The film’s atmosphere feels like Survivor meets Cast Away, while from a gaming perspective, it’s like Minecraft, Ark: Survival Evolved, and Rust combined. Though based on true historical events, Eden resonates with contemporary political themes, showcasing how, despite human evolution, some revert to their primal instincts while others confront moral dilemmas. Audiences seeking a visually stunning, tension-filled thriller will be captivated by Eden.
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