EDEN Movie Review | A Very Strong Ron Howard Film

(Eden Movie Review) | Eden is the latest film from legendary American director Ron Howard, and honestly, it’s one of his better projects. While Howard’s name carries significant weight in the industry, most of his films don’t push boundaries or challenge filmmaking norms. Instead, he focuses on hitting the beats he needs to, crafting solid, entertaining films. That is, of course, as long as we’re willing to forgive him for Hillbilly Elegy—but that’s a discussion for another time.

 Inspiration From the Galapagos

Howard discovered the story that inspired Eden during a family vacation to the Galapagos Islands. While visiting a museum, he became obsessed with a tale that would eventually form the foundation of the film. Instead of enjoying quality time with his family, he threw himself into the story, eventually collaborating with Noah Pink to write the screenplay. Together, they crafted a narrative Howard has now brought to life on the big screen.

At its core, Eden tells the true story of a group of individuals who settled on a deserted part of the Galapagos, each with wildly different intentions. Some hoped to create a philosophy to save humankind. Others wanted to escape the chaos of a post-war world. And then there were those seeking attention and wealth. It’s one of those stories that feels too wild to be true. The things these characters do, the events that unfold—it’s remarkable. Even more so when you realize Howard may have toned down some of the real-life events.

A Cast That Elevates the Film

What truly makes Eden stand out is the cast. It’s a star-studded ensemble featuring Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, Ana de Armas, and Sydney Sweeney—all delivering strong performances. The story begins with Jude Law’s character, Dr. Ritter, who moves to the island with his wife (played by Vanessa Kirby) to write a philosophy that he believes will save humankind. As the film progresses, the irony of his ambition becomes increasingly apparent as his ideals unravel.

Vanessa Kirby, in particular, delivers what might be the strongest performance of the film. Her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle expressions and movements is remarkable. There are moments where her character says nothing, but her face communicates more than an extended monologue ever could. It’s a testament to her incredible talent.

Then there’s Ana de Armas as the Baroness. She’s a character who claims to be wealthy and powerful and arrives on the island with two men, immediately stirring the pot with a dramatic threesome in the ocean—because, of course, that’s what you do as a baroness. Her performance might seem over the top to some, but it works. Interestingly, Ron Howard mentioned during a Q&A after the screening that Ana’s portrayal is actually toned down compared to the real-life Baroness.

Sydney Sweeney plays Margaret Whitmer, who, by the end of the film, becomes the one character you’re truly rooting for. This makes sense, as her account of the events on the island is the largest foundation for the film’s story. Sweeney’s performance grows stronger as the movie progresses, although her initial voiceover—with a less-than-convincing accent—is a bit jarring. Thankfully, she settles into the role, delivering a compelling depiction of her character.

A Missed Opportunity?

Interestingly, the original casting for Eden included Alicia Vikander and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Vikander was initially set to play Vanessa Kirby’s role but starred in The Assessment instead, which also premiered at TIFF. Edgar-Jones was originally cast as Sydney Sweeney’s character but shifted her focus to On Swift Horses, another TIFF selection. While the final cast of Eden does an excellent job, it’s intriguing to consider how the film might have looked with its original lineup.

Beautiful, But Not Groundbreaking

As you’d expect from a Ron Howard film, Eden looks gorgeous. The landscape shots, many filmed in Australia, are stunning. Some scenes with the Galapagos Islands’ wildlife and scenery add an extra layer of immersion. However, while the film is visually impressive and technically sound, it never truly escapes Howard’s usual territory. It doesn’t challenge conventions or dive into profound thematic explorations, but it raises some interesting questions.

The film lightly touches on themes of human nature, asking whether we are inherently selfish or cruel and if corruption is inevitable when power is within reach. One of the more compelling aspects of Eden is how it slowly and subtly highlights the similarities between characters who, on the surface, seem to have entirely different motivations. By the end, it’s clear they’re not as different as they—or we—might have thought, especially when ego and the desire for attention come into play.

Worth Watching?

At the end of the day, Eden is a solid movie. It’s not profound or groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining and well-crafted. It’s everything you’d expect from Ron Howard: technically proficient, well-acted, and enjoyable. Amazon has acquired the rights to the film, so you can expect it to hit Prime Video soon. If you’re looking for a compelling, beautifully shot film with strong performances, Eden is definitely worth a watch. | (Eden Movie Review)

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