Review of Eden: Ron Howard’s Historical Thriller Misses the Mark With Unlikable Characters

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Jude Law and Ana de Armas lead a cast of characters in Ron Howard’s latest film, “Eden,” but unfortunately, these misanthropic personalities make the movie an increasingly difficult watch.

Known for his versatility as a filmmaker, Ron Howard has tackled a wide range of subjects over the past four decades—from mermaids to astronauts, firefighters, and musical legends. At the Toronto Film Festival premiere of “Eden,” Howard emphasized that this film stands apart from anything he’s ever done. And while that’s true, it might not be for the reasons he intended.

Based on real events from 100 years ago on the Galápagos Islands, “Eden” has been branded a thriller, but it feels more like a bleak survivalist drama, with shades of “Robinson Crusoe” and the psychological tension of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”—all with a touch of Nietzschean nihilism. While the film ventures into darker, more unsettling territory than Howard’s usual fare, featuring, murder, and animal slaughter, the result is far from captivating.

The film’s greatest flaw lies not in its unusual subject matter but in its failure to tell a story that resonates. Howard, seemingly overwhelmed by the eccentricities of the plot, loses sight of his knack for creating compelling, relatable narratives. What we’re left with is a movie where the characters become more insufferable as the minutes tick by, leaving audiences with little to root for or connect with. “Eden” might be Howard’s most unconventional work yet, but it’s also one of his most disappointing.