Eden

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.