Eden unravels the shocking true story of a German doctor and his partner who have left Germany to live a distinct life from that of World War I. They reside on an island in the Galapagos and write letters “back home” about how they are satisfied and at peace. Those letters are printed in the local newspapers, spreading the word of this option from Europe. This reaction was not intended by the doctor, who was busy writing for other reasons. When boats start to arrive with people who plan to settle there and live a peaceful life, or have different intentions, it is not so tranquil after all.
The new arrivals discover that there is no infrastructure to have a home as they have known, starting with no running water. Their dreams unravel on the uninhabited island, as they discover that the doctor was not sending out invitations to join him on the island, and was not at all neighborly. The climate (they are by the equator), or deadly wildlife, could easily make new arrivals want to hop back on the next ship and go home. It is when things are discovered about each other in terms of survival that chaos takes over.
From Academy Award®–winning director Ron Howard, the screen story is by the director and Noah Pink (Tetris), who wrote the screenplay based on a true story. Eden shows the audience where Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) has created his idea of paradise with his partner, Dore (Vanessa Kirby), on Floreana within the Galapagos Islands. He is writing philosophical work, and despite her medical condition, she does what she can in their vegetable garden, raising chickens and caring for the burro. Jude Law is impressive in his performance as the unpleasant doctor who does not mind getting his hands dirty when he deems necessary. Vanessa Kirby has a quieter personality, but that doesn’t mean she is unintelligent. She has some of her best scenes toward the end of the film, which are part of the turn of events in this true story.
The doctor displays some unpleasantness when Heinz Wittmer (Daniel Brühl) and his wife Margaret (Sydney Sweeney) arrive on the island with his ailing son from his first marriage, Harry Wittmer (Jonathan Tittel). Doc Ritter changes his tune a bit after he sees how the new family is committed to constructing their home, a thriving vegetable garden, and most importantly, creating a method to have water. Daniel Brühl’s performance is excellent when he transforms from an urban resident to adapting to rural life, construction, and taking care of his family. His restrained personality also changes when he faces those who threaten his family and way of life. When provoked, he uses his skills, perhaps acquired from the war.
The significant change to the island comes when more individuals arrive on the island, but with distinctly different agendas from the established residents. As the audience sees Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn (Ana de Armas), calling herself a Baroness, it is evident that her plans for the development of the island were going to clash, as well as her lifestyle. To call this interaction a cause for tension is an understatement. The power struggle soon leads to betrayal, violence, and death. Ana de Armas is excellent in her role as this diva “wanna be”. I won’t describe all she does to rule the roost and those around her. She is worth seeing.
Not saving some of the best for last, but Sweeney’s performance is great. Unrecognizable as a timid young wife, she goes from supportive new wife to delivering an outstanding final performance to help save her husband, family, and way of life. Of course, her scene of going into childbirth while her husband and stepson are gone in the fields is very moving. To say the least, those who heard her and could have helped did not, so there were consequences for their lack of humanity.
Eden is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “some strong violence, sexual content, graphic nudity, and language.” Running time: 129 minutes. The film is in theatres nationwide on Friday, August 22, 2025
Source: Vertical