Ron Howard’s new film “Eden” starts with a stark warning: “Fascism is spreading.” While this statement resonates in today’s climate, it reflects events from nearly a century ago. The film tells the true story of a group of Europeans who sought a fresh start on the isolated island of Floreana, only to face the very struggles they aimed to escape: chaos, betrayal, and even murder.
Despite an impressive cast, the movie’s overly ambitious plot can weigh it down, especially in its slower moments. Set in the 1920s, Germany was grappling with the aftermath of World War I, characterized by economic hardship and widespread discontent, conditions that helped give rise to extremist ideologies.
But instead of delving deeply into this historical backdrop, “Eden” places us on the secluded Galápagos Island, where Dr. Friedrich Ritter and his partner, Dore Strauch Ritter, find refuge after leaving their homeland. Rebel ideals inspire Ritter, who believes he can offer solutions to save humanity.
However, the film’s potential to draw parallels between the past and our current situation becomes muddled, partly due to its lengthy runtime and unlikable characters. The actors’ inconsistent accents also detract from the experience, and the narrative struggles to remain focused amidst the unfolding chaos.
As more adventurers arrive on the island, tensions rise, and human nature reveals its darker side. Ritter’s writings attract new settlers like Heinz Wittmer, a World War I veteran, and his much younger wife, Margaret. Their arrival disrupts the Ritters’ initial peace, showcasing how quickly optimism can descend into madness.
Soon, the group dynamics shift further with the arrival of Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn, a self-proclaimed baroness with her own agenda of developing a resort. The resulting clashes highlight the lengths individuals will go to secure survival, often at the expense of their moral compass.
Despite its potential to explore themes of morality, the film tends to gloss over deeper questions surrounding human instinct. Ritter’s ambitious ideas progressively lose coherence as the plot unfolds, leaving viewers with fragmented thoughts rather than meaningful insights.
The standout performances are delivered by the film’s three female characters, each driven by different motivations yet bound by their misguided faith in male leadership. Their arcs reveal disappointment and struggle, providing some of the most poignant moments.
Dore is torn between her devotion to Ritter and the reality of his failures. Margaret, married to a man she hoped would lead her, finds herself fighting to build her family’s future amid chaos. The baroness, filled with self-assurance, ultimately faces rejection that shatters her confidence.
Sydney Sweeney shines in her role as Margaret, particularly in a memorable scene where she faces the hardships of childbirth alone on the island. Predictably, not everyone will survive the ordeal, and the film hints at inevitable tragedy from the start, echoing the timeless truths of human nature.
“Eden,” which opens in theaters this Friday, carries an R rating for strong violence, sexual content, graphic nudity, and language. With a runtime of 129 minutes, it offers viewers a thought-provoking experience.
