Ana de Armas and Sydney Sweeney are two of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood right now. If a studio is looking for a greenlight or production financing, securing just one of these stars would generate significant interest. But when both are on board, the project is almost guaranteed to move forward—unless it’s a shot-for-shot remake of Rob Reiner’s “North.”
The film that brought these two A-list talents together is called “Eden.” However, despite its star-studded cast and high-profile director, the movie has been a commercial failure. It features additional big-name actors like Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, and Daniel Brühl. Directed by Ron Howard and featuring a score from Hans Zimmer, the film was budgeted at $55 million, but Australian tax credits reduced the cost to $35 million. Still, this was a major, prestige film that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Many people may have only just learned about its existence.
So why did a film of this scale end up being such a minor blip on the cultural radar? The answer lies in the fact that Ron Howard strayed far from his usual comfort zone with a dark, downbeat take on “Lord of the Flies” that received mixed reviews. While de Armas, Sweeney, and the rest of the cast delivered strong performances, the film is the kind of project that either becomes a streaming hit or gets forgotten quickly, much like “EDtv.”
Ron Howard’s “Eden” is Like “Survivor: Galapagos”
Written by Noah Pink, “Eden” follows a group of European settlers who, after World War I, seek meaning and possibly utopia on the Galapagos island of Floreana. This remote location becomes home to Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and Dore Strauch (Vanessa Kirby), who is working on a manifesto that aims to guide humanity toward peace and enlightenment. They are joined by Heinz and Margret Wittmer (Daniel Brühl and Sydney Sweeney), who have embraced Ritter’s vision. However, they soon realize that their new life is far from the paradise they imagined.
Tensions escalate with the arrival of Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn (Ana de Armas), who brings along her two male lovers/acolytes. She plans to build a resort in the Galapagos, which directly opposes everything Ritter and the Wittmers stand for. As alliances form, the story turns into a “Survivor”-like free-for-all that no amount of CBS producers could control. There will be blood, betrayal, and murder. If this sounds appealing, then “Eden” might be worth your time.
“Eden” will debut on Netflix on December 23, just in time for the holidays. It might find a cult following during that time. Its chances for awards recognition were dashed at the Toronto International Film Festival, but Ron Howard has a history of late-bloomer classics, such as the excellent “The Paper.” Perhaps time will be kind to “Eden,” or it could follow the path of “EDtv” and fade into obscurity.
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