Ron Howard appears to be in the midst of a survival thriller phase. Following his return to Apollo 13 themes with In the Heart of the Sea in 2015 and the more recent Thirteen Lives, his newest project, Eden, takes a similar route, inspired by true events. Regrettably, this fourth endeavor falls short, bolstering critics’ assertions that Howard, recognized for Solo: A Star Wars Story, is more of a competent director without a unique style or depth.

The drama, despite featuring a prominent cast, fails to impress. It lacks thematic richness and is visually uninviting, characterized by a monotonous color scheme. The ensemble attempts to breathe life into Noah Pink’s screenplay (which is based on a story by Howard and Pink), but much of the visual and emotional nuance is missing, rendering Eden a perplexing case. It is unclear how the film arrived at its final iteration.

What is Eden about?

Based on the tales of survivors who created a commune in the Galápagos, the film unfolds on Floreana Island, adapting real-life occurrences with dramatic speculation. In 1929, Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and his partner Dore Strauch (Vanessa Kirby) come from Berlin to evade the repercussions of World War I and the rise of fascism in Germany. Ritter aims for a fresh start, while Strauch, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, joins him possibly for healing, though her needs take a backseat to Ritter’s aspirations.

The story is set years into their stay when a family arrives, inspired by Ritter’s correspondence. Daniel Brühl portrays Heinz Wittmer, with Sydney Sweeney as his pregnant wife Margaret and Jonathan Tittel as his stepson Harry. Despite their good intentions, the Wittmers confront Ritter’s isolationist beliefs and establish their camp far away. Tensions escalate when a third group, led by heiress Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn (Ana de Armas), arrives with plans to construct a resort, upsetting the fragile tranquility.

What is the significance of Eden’s survival narrative?

As rivalries and factions arise, Eloise emerges as the film’s most captivating character, largely due to de Armas’ portrayal. She shakes up the existing order, but the interplay among the characters rarely holds interest. The film sporadically centers on Ritter’s writing, with Law depicting a noble yet restless figure. However, few characters are drawn to or repelled by him, and the film misses chances to delve into thematic connections between him and Eloise.

The narrative approaches survival in a straightforward manner, concentrating on practical obstacles instead of profound inquiries about faith or determination. Unlike other island tales such as The Lord of the Flies or Lost, the characters’ broader issues do not follow them to Floreana, leaving only Eloise’s eccentricities as sources of conflict. The setting could change without major ramifications for the story.

The film’s difficulties arise from logistical matters rather than suspicion or internal struggles. It shows a lack of investment in the survival experience, retaining an aura of importance without real substance. This disconnection is partly attributable to Howard and cinematographer Mathias Herndl’s depiction of the island, rendering the film challenging to view.

The cinematography in Eden undermines its narrative.

Eden is visually lackluster, failing to align with the expectations of a survival story. The film’s desaturation is pervasive, not adapting to the characters’ experiences. As tensions heighten, the environment fails to reflect this transformation. The absence of contrast results in characters’ faces appearing in murky grays, obscuring crucial dramatic elements.

For instance, a mention of Ritter’s teeth provides insight into his character, but the film only emphasizes this detail much later. This oversight is one of many stemming from the film’s color-grading choices. Scenes lack vigor, and human expressions are obscured in the uninspiring visuals.

The film stretches beyond its natural conclusion, accurately portraying real events yet overstaying its welcome. Ironically, this is the moment it most closely aligns with its characters’ viewpoints.

Eden is currently showing in theaters across the nation.

UPDATE: Aug. 21, 2025, 5:26 p.m. EDT Eden was reviewed following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. This article, initially published on Sept. 18, 2024, has been updated to reflect the film’s theatrical release.