50 avaliações
The entire island setup effectively mirrors human civilisation, albeit in a simplified and somewhat a naive miniature form, with three primary groups of individuals embodying personas we encounter in our daily lives.
Dr. Ritter and Dora represent the educated individuals with rebellious spirits, striving for peace and advocating for a new world order.
The Wittmer family signifies the typical household, who having escaped a tumultuous financial situation in their homeland and now seeking refuge on this beautiful yet isolating island.
Lastly, the Baroness and her associates who epitomise the greedy and manipulative faction; while they pursue ambitious plans for personal gain, they ultimately become the primary catalyst for the disarray and collapse of 'social order' within this small island.
I appreciate how these diverse dynamics intertwine and influence one another, much like they do in the real world. At its core, this narrative serves as a survival drama that adeptly illustrates how personal ambitions can overshadow mutual benefits, ultimately leading to moral degradation among its inhabitants.
As for the performances, Ana undeniably stands out as she embodies the cunning and nefarious self with remarkable skill. I must also commend Sydney, who, despite inheriting a limited role in the storyline, maintained her composure and delivered a nuanced performance that is both subtle and essential to the narrative; the same can be said for Vanessa too.
Conversely, the male characters lacked depth as they were mostly operating on one note; it would have been beneficial if the writing had provided them with more substantial material to capitalise on.
Dr. Ritter and Dora represent the educated individuals with rebellious spirits, striving for peace and advocating for a new world order.
The Wittmer family signifies the typical household, who having escaped a tumultuous financial situation in their homeland and now seeking refuge on this beautiful yet isolating island.
Lastly, the Baroness and her associates who epitomise the greedy and manipulative faction; while they pursue ambitious plans for personal gain, they ultimately become the primary catalyst for the disarray and collapse of 'social order' within this small island.
I appreciate how these diverse dynamics intertwine and influence one another, much like they do in the real world. At its core, this narrative serves as a survival drama that adeptly illustrates how personal ambitions can overshadow mutual benefits, ultimately leading to moral degradation among its inhabitants.
As for the performances, Ana undeniably stands out as she embodies the cunning and nefarious self with remarkable skill. I must also commend Sydney, who, despite inheriting a limited role in the storyline, maintained her composure and delivered a nuanced performance that is both subtle and essential to the narrative; the same can be said for Vanessa too.
Conversely, the male characters lacked depth as they were mostly operating on one note; it would have been beneficial if the writing had provided them with more substantial material to capitalise on.
- SoumikBanerjee1996
- 7 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
I went into this film completely blind, not knowing it was based on a true story.
By the end of it, I was underwhelmed. I feel like there were the makings of a pretty strong movie with its beautiful scenery, strong cast and realism due to the true story.
However, the themes of psychological isolation and social interaction were under developed. I feel like the movie never got into full stride exploring these themes effectively. There was too much waffle in between.
The makings of a psychological thriller were there but never reached the heights that we wanted. I strongly believe the film was too long and could've definitely benefited from a short run time thus making the better moments of the film feel more impactful.
Unfortunately, I believe Eden will fly under the radar despite its strong ensemble cast, decent cinematography and direction.
By the end of it, I was underwhelmed. I feel like there were the makings of a pretty strong movie with its beautiful scenery, strong cast and realism due to the true story.
However, the themes of psychological isolation and social interaction were under developed. I feel like the movie never got into full stride exploring these themes effectively. There was too much waffle in between.
The makings of a psychological thriller were there but never reached the heights that we wanted. I strongly believe the film was too long and could've definitely benefited from a short run time thus making the better moments of the film feel more impactful.
Unfortunately, I believe Eden will fly under the radar despite its strong ensemble cast, decent cinematography and direction.
- leestoych
- 7 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
- hamiddaneshmand-97423
- 5 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
Set in the Galápagos Islands, but filmed in Australia.
I was able to see the press conference that Ron Howard and the four main stars gave. Howard explained that he had the project in mind for a time, worked on it some during the recent COVID pandemic and lockdowns. He knew it would not be a project that a typical studio would go for so he went at it his way.
The movie is a fictional drama based on real people and their attempt to find their own Eden in the Galápagos Islands (filmed in Australia). It doesn't work out as hoped because, in the end, people are people and they can cooperate together for only so long.
This is analogous to the theme that played out in the year 2000 movie, "The Beach" with Leo Dicaprio. As I wrote in my comments for that one, "Even though these 20 or 30 men and women all went to the island for "pleasure seeking", ultimately roles need to be taken, duties accepted, not everyone agrees, jealousy starts to erode relationships, certain people seek power, and when some get seriously injured, "out of sight, out of mind" is the remedy so as not to upset "paradise." In other words, they end up creating on a smaller scale the same world that they sought to escape from. Eventually this "house of cards" starts to fall down, and ultimately everyone realizes paradise is internal, not some idyllic place."
Good for Howard to bring this story to the screen.
I was able to see the press conference that Ron Howard and the four main stars gave. Howard explained that he had the project in mind for a time, worked on it some during the recent COVID pandemic and lockdowns. He knew it would not be a project that a typical studio would go for so he went at it his way.
The movie is a fictional drama based on real people and their attempt to find their own Eden in the Galápagos Islands (filmed in Australia). It doesn't work out as hoped because, in the end, people are people and they can cooperate together for only so long.
This is analogous to the theme that played out in the year 2000 movie, "The Beach" with Leo Dicaprio. As I wrote in my comments for that one, "Even though these 20 or 30 men and women all went to the island for "pleasure seeking", ultimately roles need to be taken, duties accepted, not everyone agrees, jealousy starts to erode relationships, certain people seek power, and when some get seriously injured, "out of sight, out of mind" is the remedy so as not to upset "paradise." In other words, they end up creating on a smaller scale the same world that they sought to escape from. Eventually this "house of cards" starts to fall down, and ultimately everyone realizes paradise is internal, not some idyllic place."
Good for Howard to bring this story to the screen.
- TxMike
- 8 de set. de 2024
- Link permanente
7.5/10
I was surprisingly really drawn to the story, i found it fascinating and intriguing, and i thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, the storytelling was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, which is a big plus, and Ron Howard definitely has that good filmmaking quality aspect in the film that are shown.
The cast, on paper, is absolutely stacke, just looking at the names, it sounds like a dream lineup, while i don't have any issues with Jude Law and Vanessa Kirby, i felt that the other three main stars didn't quite deliver their best performances, i've seen Daniel Brühl, Ana De Armas, and Sydney Sweeney doing a really great job as a performer, but in this film, their acting didn't quite hit the mark.
The main issue, in my opinion, was the accents they had to use, acting with an accent is like acting on top of acting, it becomes a double task, you not only have to perform the role but also maintain an unnatural speech pattern, which can be distracting, in this case, i'd say they were decent at best, not terrible by any means, just not as compelling as i've seen them before, Sydney Sweeney, to her credit, did slightly better than the other two, but it's not bad, if it's bad then it's another case, decent is definitely more passable than bad.
The two male co-stars who accompanied Ana de Armas also had similar issues, just a little bit worse, but still fine, there are a few nitpicks here and there, but overall, Eden is a pretty well-made film with a compelling, engaging, and fascinating story, despite its flaws, i found it to be a genuinely interesting watch.
I was surprisingly really drawn to the story, i found it fascinating and intriguing, and i thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, the storytelling was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, which is a big plus, and Ron Howard definitely has that good filmmaking quality aspect in the film that are shown.
The cast, on paper, is absolutely stacke, just looking at the names, it sounds like a dream lineup, while i don't have any issues with Jude Law and Vanessa Kirby, i felt that the other three main stars didn't quite deliver their best performances, i've seen Daniel Brühl, Ana De Armas, and Sydney Sweeney doing a really great job as a performer, but in this film, their acting didn't quite hit the mark.
The main issue, in my opinion, was the accents they had to use, acting with an accent is like acting on top of acting, it becomes a double task, you not only have to perform the role but also maintain an unnatural speech pattern, which can be distracting, in this case, i'd say they were decent at best, not terrible by any means, just not as compelling as i've seen them before, Sydney Sweeney, to her credit, did slightly better than the other two, but it's not bad, if it's bad then it's another case, decent is definitely more passable than bad.
The two male co-stars who accompanied Ana de Armas also had similar issues, just a little bit worse, but still fine, there are a few nitpicks here and there, but overall, Eden is a pretty well-made film with a compelling, engaging, and fascinating story, despite its flaws, i found it to be a genuinely interesting watch.
- HabibieHakim123
- 3 de ago. de 2025
- Link permanente
An extremely interesting story, based on true events, an accomplished director, a top cast, Hans Zimmer behind the score. A smash hit? At least not at the box office, the budget is not even close to being recouped. In terms of feeling, 'Eden' was not represented in the media at all, apparently these days there is a lack of the muse to be caught up in realistic darkness and human abysses. The only partially resolved 'Galapagos Affair' sheds light on the hopes and utopias of conquering a new land or escaping the old world in order to build an alternative civilisation there, and how human nature buries all dreams again. The supposed heaven turns into a hell of envy, jealousy, selfishness and vanity. Not forgetting the harsh reality of the supposed island paradise. All the supposed and proven events are almost unbelievable, which makes this survival trip all the more fascinating. A real true-crime story. The film adaptation does justice to this, the well-known cast performs excellently and there is little to criticise in terms of craftsmanship. The response does not do justice to the result, so I recommend it.
- xnicofingerx
- 7 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
The film industry produces alot of films, and this is a good one. Everything about it was quality. Well cast (and nice to aee Jude Law again), beautiful dramatic filming of scenary as well as dialogue well filmed. Excellent pacing and not predictable. I felt the interactions between the well defined characters was fantastic such that it could easily be made into a stage play. To be honest I feel the whole team deserve to be congratulated on work well done.
Basis of story is a very private and intellectual doctor and his adoring wife go to the Galapagos and then a highly practical German couple arrive, followed by a very devious and morally dubious woman qnd her two lovers. What results is a character interaction which creates tension, drama and some twists.
Basis of story is a very private and intellectual doctor and his adoring wife go to the Galapagos and then a highly practical German couple arrive, followed by a very devious and morally dubious woman qnd her two lovers. What results is a character interaction which creates tension, drama and some twists.
- uberdonkey6
- 5 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
A great story, great cast and performances.
A good movie is a movie that makes you want to watch more, think more, understand more. This is one of those.
The characters are based on real people and real events yet it feels like getting introduced to those events first hands.
Obviously there is quite a lot of over-dramatization but it serves the story well.
Watch advice: Recommended.
A good movie is a movie that makes you want to watch more, think more, understand more. This is one of those.
The characters are based on real people and real events yet it feels like getting introduced to those events first hands.
Obviously there is quite a lot of over-dramatization but it serves the story well.
Watch advice: Recommended.
- ChairmanM
- 5 de ago. de 2025
- Link permanente
An uninhabited island in the Galápagos is paradise and hell at the same time for a trio of couples who settled there in 1929. At one of the remotest areas on earth there is a clash of personalities; philosophical, libertine, and practical. While one couple seeks solitude, another wants to build a luxury hotel, and the third desires a nourishing place for family. As bugs and boars bite hard, and food and water become as scarce as doctors, police, and dentists, each couple is in for a shock. Darwin would be pleased, for on the island that gave him his fame it is survival of fittest all over again.
In this true story it is intriguing to see the starkly different personalities battle it out like in a miniature world. Ron Howard who was present at this screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, was captivated by the zany stories of the characters, and the good and bad of each of them. If anything, he said, he had to dial the antics back. It is hard to choose a side. Jude Law and the other actors are capable and convincing. Hans Zimmer orchestrated the playlist. How many soundtracks can one person do? I wish there was a little more depth to the dialogue, but Eden is a pleasure to watch and contemplate.
In this true story it is intriguing to see the starkly different personalities battle it out like in a miniature world. Ron Howard who was present at this screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, was captivated by the zany stories of the characters, and the good and bad of each of them. If anything, he said, he had to dial the antics back. It is hard to choose a side. Jude Law and the other actors are capable and convincing. Hans Zimmer orchestrated the playlist. How many soundtracks can one person do? I wish there was a little more depth to the dialogue, but Eden is a pleasure to watch and contemplate.
- Blue-Grotto
- 27 de set. de 2024
- Link permanente
If you compare the movie to other ones with similar themes of being on a deserted island such as Cast Away or the numerous Robinson Crusoe movies, this movie was more interesting. The story kept you engaged to find out how it all ends. The hero of the story is not who you expect it to be. A 2013 documentary on the true story which the movie was based on can be found on youtube it is called The Galapagos Affair:Satan Came To Eden. I recommend watching the documentary after you view the movie. The movie took some liberties and made some assumptions that may or may not have taken place to complete the narrative. Overall one of the better movies you can watch this year.
- bmalakwa
- 6 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
There are a lot of things this movie does well. The acting is incredible from virtually every cast member. The cinematography is outstanding, complete with some stunning views of some gorgeous landscapes that are pretty obviously not the Galapagos. The dialogue is also usually good.
What fails miserably is every other aspect of the writing. The characters are all either over-the-top cliches or one-dimensional drones, none of which have any depth whatsoever. Most of them are written to be unlikable, and the writers are a little too successful in that regard. (The only slightly sympathetic character is the insufferable nihilist, who just wants to be left alone when a bunch of twats show up at his door) There's really no good reason for these people to go to an island just to get at each others throats, and the writers REALLY stretch to justify that progression. A lot of people doing irrationally bad things to each other for no particular reason, just to contrive tension. There is more than one point where the movie starts feeling (weirdly) like an episode of Survivor. You'll catch what I mean if you're reading this before watching.
I have a feeling the writers have never actually set foot in nature, but have taken everything they know from other movies. There's a lot about the island, animals, and plants that just doesn't make sense. From what I've read about the real-life events, I think the writers tried to include key points but didn't understand them enough to do so realistically. I'm pretty sure one of the characters was planting manure at one point. Not fertilizing with manure, digging a hole and putting a chunk of manure in it. Is that how people in Hollywood think farming is done? They don't seem to know how dogs (wild or otherwise) behave either, which is kind of baffling. There's a scene in which the dogs could have shot laser beams from their eyes, and it wouldn't have been much more absurd than what was actually on the screen.
This is supposed to be based on the true story but as with a lot of movies the key points are there, but the details are completely made up. And in this case, poorly. It's pretty bad when so little is known of the real story, and it still feels more realized than the dramatized version.
What fails miserably is every other aspect of the writing. The characters are all either over-the-top cliches or one-dimensional drones, none of which have any depth whatsoever. Most of them are written to be unlikable, and the writers are a little too successful in that regard. (The only slightly sympathetic character is the insufferable nihilist, who just wants to be left alone when a bunch of twats show up at his door) There's really no good reason for these people to go to an island just to get at each others throats, and the writers REALLY stretch to justify that progression. A lot of people doing irrationally bad things to each other for no particular reason, just to contrive tension. There is more than one point where the movie starts feeling (weirdly) like an episode of Survivor. You'll catch what I mean if you're reading this before watching.
I have a feeling the writers have never actually set foot in nature, but have taken everything they know from other movies. There's a lot about the island, animals, and plants that just doesn't make sense. From what I've read about the real-life events, I think the writers tried to include key points but didn't understand them enough to do so realistically. I'm pretty sure one of the characters was planting manure at one point. Not fertilizing with manure, digging a hole and putting a chunk of manure in it. Is that how people in Hollywood think farming is done? They don't seem to know how dogs (wild or otherwise) behave either, which is kind of baffling. There's a scene in which the dogs could have shot laser beams from their eyes, and it wouldn't have been much more absurd than what was actually on the screen.
This is supposed to be based on the true story but as with a lot of movies the key points are there, but the details are completely made up. And in this case, poorly. It's pretty bad when so little is known of the real story, and it still feels more realized than the dramatized version.
- shauncore808
- 8 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
"Eden" is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of human nature, community, and our relationship with the natural world. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Galapagos Islands, this movie follows a group of individuals who embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the harsh yet majestic beauty of the Galapagos landscape. The direction is deliberate and nuanced, allowing the audience to absorb the characters' struggles, triumphs, and introspections.
The cast delivers powerful performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters' experiences. As they navigate the challenges of their new environment, they must confront their own demons, desires, and motivations.
"Eden" raises important questions about our place within society, the importance of community, and the human need for connection with nature. This film is a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas, environmentalism, and philosophical explorations.
Overall, "Eden" is a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the harsh yet majestic beauty of the Galapagos landscape. The direction is deliberate and nuanced, allowing the audience to absorb the characters' struggles, triumphs, and introspections.
The cast delivers powerful performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters' experiences. As they navigate the challenges of their new environment, they must confront their own demons, desires, and motivations.
"Eden" raises important questions about our place within society, the importance of community, and the human need for connection with nature. This film is a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas, environmentalism, and philosophical explorations.
Overall, "Eden" is a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
- prosperjohnsonmusukuma
- 2 de jan. de 2025
- Link permanente
- AvionPrince16
- 5 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
Well what could possibly go wrong... an impressive A-list cast, a renowned Oscar-winning director and a 'true' story adventure set on the legendary Galapagos Islands... ultimately none of it matters though, because the movie itself is boring, downbeat and rubbish!
In a nutshell the story is about three different sets of post WW1 Europeans looking for a fresh 'off=grid' life on the fabled remote Islands, the various interactions between them and the inhospitable landscape that consistently consumes them.
The always dependable Jude Law takes top-billing as a selfish ex-doctor who is writing a book and taking care of his MS affected other half (Vanessa Kirby), and both are well= played.
Meanwhile a toned-down Sydney Sweeney soon arrives with her PTSD affected husband and ill stepson, swiftly followed by gorgeous femme fatale Ana de Armas and her small entourage of debauched hangers on.
Never living up to its initial promise, the main problems here are that none of the characters are likeable, the screenplay is dull and depressive and there really is no sense of excitement, wonder or inspiration anywhere to be found. It's all so dark, dour and boring.
In summation, this widely missed opportunity has to rate as one of Ron Howards weakest efforts - the only saving grace is De Armas, who wonderfully hams it up in her pivotal antagonistic role. Other than that i'm afraid Eden is more like purgatory for both the cast and audience alike. Where are Tom Hanks. Wilson or Robinson Crusoe when you need them...
In a nutshell the story is about three different sets of post WW1 Europeans looking for a fresh 'off=grid' life on the fabled remote Islands, the various interactions between them and the inhospitable landscape that consistently consumes them.
The always dependable Jude Law takes top-billing as a selfish ex-doctor who is writing a book and taking care of his MS affected other half (Vanessa Kirby), and both are well= played.
Meanwhile a toned-down Sydney Sweeney soon arrives with her PTSD affected husband and ill stepson, swiftly followed by gorgeous femme fatale Ana de Armas and her small entourage of debauched hangers on.
Never living up to its initial promise, the main problems here are that none of the characters are likeable, the screenplay is dull and depressive and there really is no sense of excitement, wonder or inspiration anywhere to be found. It's all so dark, dour and boring.
In summation, this widely missed opportunity has to rate as one of Ron Howards weakest efforts - the only saving grace is De Armas, who wonderfully hams it up in her pivotal antagonistic role. Other than that i'm afraid Eden is more like purgatory for both the cast and audience alike. Where are Tom Hanks. Wilson or Robinson Crusoe when you need them...
- whitetowel-74786
- 6 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
There is Eden in the title. But Where is the Eden?
The story sets on a beautiful island, should have been bright and vivid colors, but pictures of the movie looks like covered by some kind of filthy substance... well, let's not say that word.
Why are modern Hollywood movies full of grey yellow filters? Several other new films I've watched recently are also like this. Thunderbolts, Ballerina, Lilo & Stitch, all in "ugly color grading". Why?
Nowadays Hollywood films have already been poor quality in terms of story, at least make the picture pleasing to the eyes, not?
Back to Eden, this is a movie based on a true story. The story itself is fascinating enough. "A murder took place in Heaven". Color grading for dark atmosphere is completely unnecessary.
Because by doing this, you're erasing the drama of the story in strong contrast with its background, making it into a ordinary melodrama: "A murder that can happen anywhere"
Furthermore the setting of this story is also a character. What the audiences want to see is a murder story on a picturesque paradise-like island. Without it, the charm of the story will be greatly reduced.
The story sets on a beautiful island, should have been bright and vivid colors, but pictures of the movie looks like covered by some kind of filthy substance... well, let's not say that word.
Why are modern Hollywood movies full of grey yellow filters? Several other new films I've watched recently are also like this. Thunderbolts, Ballerina, Lilo & Stitch, all in "ugly color grading". Why?
Nowadays Hollywood films have already been poor quality in terms of story, at least make the picture pleasing to the eyes, not?
Back to Eden, this is a movie based on a true story. The story itself is fascinating enough. "A murder took place in Heaven". Color grading for dark atmosphere is completely unnecessary.
Because by doing this, you're erasing the drama of the story in strong contrast with its background, making it into a ordinary melodrama: "A murder that can happen anywhere"
Furthermore the setting of this story is also a character. What the audiences want to see is a murder story on a picturesque paradise-like island. Without it, the charm of the story will be greatly reduced.
- potterundstone
- 7 de jul. de 2025
- Link permanente
Ron Howard's "Eden" (2024) is a compelling, if at times uneven, exploration of human nature pushed to its limits. Based on a true story of individuals attempting to create a new society on a remote Galapagos island, the film starts as a hopeful endeavor but quickly devolves into a gripping survival thriller where the greatest threat isn't the harsh environment, but each other. While the pacing in the first half can be a bit slow, Howard truly finds his stride as the tensions escalate, embracing a darker, more visceral tone rarely seen in his work.
The star-studded cast, including standout performances from Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, and especially Ana de Armas as the enigmatic Baroness, elevates the material, bringing complex and often unsettling characters to life. "Eden" may not offer profound philosophical insights, but it's an engaging and often disturbing look at how quickly ideals can crumble when confronted with ego, scarcity, and the raw instincts of survival.
Is it worth watching? Yes, for its strong performances and a fascinating, dark true story.
The star-studded cast, including standout performances from Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, and especially Ana de Armas as the enigmatic Baroness, elevates the material, bringing complex and often unsettling characters to life. "Eden" may not offer profound philosophical insights, but it's an engaging and often disturbing look at how quickly ideals can crumble when confronted with ego, scarcity, and the raw instincts of survival.
Is it worth watching? Yes, for its strong performances and a fascinating, dark true story.
- muzotime_UZB
- 4 de ago. de 2025
- Link permanente
Before diving into this film's guts, there is a subtext about humans and human character and about the way it ruins so many beautiful things, juts for...well, sometimes nothing. Putting this aside, we've got an engaging movie, that has all the tools to stay that way, and it totally uses them.
I cannot say that I agree with a lot of negative reviews and general low grades. It seems that the fact Ron Howard directed this movie got people to react in an over judgmental way and thus...the grade and negative reviews and criticism. The final result is pretty simple, and the performances are just good.
The fact that this movie is Howard's and got Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl and the super rising star: Sydney Sweeney turned people into believers. The final result and outcome is pretty reasonable, and the movie itself is so engaging that I pretty much forgot the cast and the director and just gave myself to the content.
Howard's movie takes a true story and elaborates regarding human's nature and humans' primal instincts. The collision between the will to have regular lives and to create something out of them, the will to get famous versus the will to survive and this movie takes us to a lot of survival places.
This movie presents mainly the way of survival for three families, but mainly it explores several types of human nature and how each and every type of human manages to survive in extreme and ancient types of old ways of living. It is interesting to watch this almost anthropological research, that demonstrates several types of people with different typecasts.
It has all the right tools to keep the audience engaged. It has the true events, which this movie is based on, phenomenal actors and actresses and of course one leading director, that all of those actors came to work with. It is not something out of the ordinary, but an interesting story and great way of telling it. I wouldn't recommend to miss it.
I cannot say that I agree with a lot of negative reviews and general low grades. It seems that the fact Ron Howard directed this movie got people to react in an over judgmental way and thus...the grade and negative reviews and criticism. The final result is pretty simple, and the performances are just good.
The fact that this movie is Howard's and got Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl and the super rising star: Sydney Sweeney turned people into believers. The final result and outcome is pretty reasonable, and the movie itself is so engaging that I pretty much forgot the cast and the director and just gave myself to the content.
Howard's movie takes a true story and elaborates regarding human's nature and humans' primal instincts. The collision between the will to have regular lives and to create something out of them, the will to get famous versus the will to survive and this movie takes us to a lot of survival places.
This movie presents mainly the way of survival for three families, but mainly it explores several types of human nature and how each and every type of human manages to survive in extreme and ancient types of old ways of living. It is interesting to watch this almost anthropological research, that demonstrates several types of people with different typecasts.
It has all the right tools to keep the audience engaged. It has the true events, which this movie is based on, phenomenal actors and actresses and of course one leading director, that all of those actors came to work with. It is not something out of the ordinary, but an interesting story and great way of telling it. I wouldn't recommend to miss it.
- BoBo_Goal32
- 8 de ago. de 2025
- Link permanente
Ron Howard's Eden, based on a true story and featuring a powerhouse cast, had all the ingredients for an emotionally resonant survival epic. But instead of rising to the occasion, it leans too heavily on Lord of the Flies tropes, allowing its characters to unravel into chaos without the emotional scaffolding to make us care.
The film quickly devolves into the animalistic mentality of what a small group of people running high on survival brain could fall into. While this might reflect a raw, primal truth, Eden fails to provide the psychological build-up to make the descent feel meaningful. We are dropped into conflict too soon, with characters reduced to instincts rather than explored as individuals with complex motivations.
It also feels like Eden falls victim to a recurring Ron Howard pitfall, over-characterisation in the face of uneventful truth. When the real events do not deliver Hollywood-level drama, Howard compensates by pushing characters and scenarios to the edge of believability. Instead of trusting the quiet horror of survival, the film opts for dramatization that feels contrived and overly theatrical.
Vanessa Kirby, whose intensity and presence could have added much-needed nuance, is frustratingly underused. Her character floats on the sidelines, never quite given the narrative space to matter. Daniel Brühl, meanwhile, is saddled with a vague family subplot that adds confusion rather than emotional depth. At one point, I genuinely questioned why his family was even brought to the island at all.
For a film grounded in true events, Eden often feels more like an abstract thought experiment in human depravity than a character-driven survival story. What is missing is the soul, an exploration of who these people are and what survival does to them beyond violence and fear.
The film quickly devolves into the animalistic mentality of what a small group of people running high on survival brain could fall into. While this might reflect a raw, primal truth, Eden fails to provide the psychological build-up to make the descent feel meaningful. We are dropped into conflict too soon, with characters reduced to instincts rather than explored as individuals with complex motivations.
It also feels like Eden falls victim to a recurring Ron Howard pitfall, over-characterisation in the face of uneventful truth. When the real events do not deliver Hollywood-level drama, Howard compensates by pushing characters and scenarios to the edge of believability. Instead of trusting the quiet horror of survival, the film opts for dramatization that feels contrived and overly theatrical.
Vanessa Kirby, whose intensity and presence could have added much-needed nuance, is frustratingly underused. Her character floats on the sidelines, never quite given the narrative space to matter. Daniel Brühl, meanwhile, is saddled with a vague family subplot that adds confusion rather than emotional depth. At one point, I genuinely questioned why his family was even brought to the island at all.
For a film grounded in true events, Eden often feels more like an abstract thought experiment in human depravity than a character-driven survival story. What is missing is the soul, an exploration of who these people are and what survival does to them beyond violence and fear.
- Ec-vixen-ph
- 11 de jul. de 2025
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- allyshusterasst
- 25 de set. de 2024
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I will start off with the biggest problem, which is minor to some, but very annoying to me. For some reason, since the main characters are German, they decided to do the opening and closing narration, as well as the names of the seasons during the film, in German, no subtitles (unless you have the option to turn them on when you stream it.) The opening narration gives the basics of how these people came to remote island of Floreana in the Galapagos to escape the society that they felt was in decline. There was no good reason to put them in German, except to "act artistic", which I personally hate. I would also recommend doing brief research on the interesting prologue of this story, AFTER watching the movie, unless you don't care about spoilers. The actual movie was very well done, great acting, atmosphere, settings, and the plot had some unexpected twists and turns. If you speak German, you might give this film a 9, but wasting my time with pretentiousness costs my rating 2 stars lol.
- gfrancis0
- 17 de jul. de 2025
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Eden starts off with a strong survival-thriller setup and solid performances from the cast, but quickly loses its footing as it descends into melodrama and chaos. The film is packed with unnecessary twists, exaggerated violence, and shallow characterizations that prevent it from leaving any lasting emotional impact.
While the visuals are often striking and a few moments of tension work well, the overall execution feels messy and unfocused. The pacing drags in parts, and the film seems more interested in shock than in storytelling.
It had potential, but in the end, Eden is more style than substance. Disappointing.
While the visuals are often striking and a few moments of tension work well, the overall execution feels messy and unfocused. The pacing drags in parts, and the film seems more interested in shock than in storytelling.
It had potential, but in the end, Eden is more style than substance. Disappointing.
- msilavi
- 8 de jul. de 2025
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Jude Law was just awesome. What a interesting film. I had no idea of this story. It gives an interesting look at peoples internal motivations and another look at people during that time that were trying to flee a more and more radical Germany. Honestly between Sydney Sweeney very tough/kind character and Jude Laws (savior of the planet) character you really were dealing with all types of people put into a difficult situation surviving on Flortenia (Galapagos). I really loved the plot and pacing and the tension slowly increased to what you can imigine was an interesting and captivating breaking point.
- reed-32647
- 13 de set. de 2024
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Very odd movie. It's very moody and slow, but I am okay with that. It tells a real story of people who went on an island to create a new life, new home, but soon all turns to a nightmare. So... Characters based on real people. It's interesting and it is based on a book written by one of those people. But too many scenes were overdramatized and Hollywood-like. Still, I liked the movie - the acting was great, especially by Ana de Armas (as always!); the characters were all interesting.
It's a good film, but if you are not into slow-burners, skip for sure.
Final Score: 6/10.
It's a good film, but if you are not into slow-burners, skip for sure.
Final Score: 6/10.
- YavorAlipiev_Sunnylight017
- 7 de ago. de 2025
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This is supposed to be about the Galapagos Islands but 90% of the movie is on 1 set. Almost nothing of the island is shown.
The characters are mostly unlikable and while Ana's character brings a bit of color to the movie, her character is morally bankrupt.
Sydney Sweeny plays the only character you can actually cheer for but for what? Winning for her means a life on a baron island, there was no "Prize". The Galapagos are seen as a near lifeless, full of danger Hell hole. No real reasons were ever given for them being there.
Law is writing something, "not a book" but something. Sweeny's camp are just there for some reason and Ana wants to build a Millionaires paradise with little planning or ability to do so. She can see the end product but has no ability to actually build anything.
Really a waste of a great deal of effort. I like Ron Howard but I have no idea what he was trying to show here. Life is hard? People suck? I knew all of that before I watched this. It just made it worse...
The characters are mostly unlikable and while Ana's character brings a bit of color to the movie, her character is morally bankrupt.
Sydney Sweeny plays the only character you can actually cheer for but for what? Winning for her means a life on a baron island, there was no "Prize". The Galapagos are seen as a near lifeless, full of danger Hell hole. No real reasons were ever given for them being there.
Law is writing something, "not a book" but something. Sweeny's camp are just there for some reason and Ana wants to build a Millionaires paradise with little planning or ability to do so. She can see the end product but has no ability to actually build anything.
Really a waste of a great deal of effort. I like Ron Howard but I have no idea what he was trying to show here. Life is hard? People suck? I knew all of that before I watched this. It just made it worse...
- anthonyiaclaims
- 19 de jul. de 2025
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I went to watch this film with expectations, as it won the Camera d'Or at Cannes 2024, however very quickly I realized what a mistake i've done. The main actor is very talented, however the story is getting awkward after about 30 mintutes, so there is nothing to do from that point on, but sitting bored and waiting for the film to be over. I won't make any spoilers here, but only urge you to use your time better than I did and go to watch something else. God, I even saw some people leaving before the end, but I have a motto never to do that, even if the film is boring and awful. And this film is.
- zshainer
- 10 de jul. de 2025
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