Ron Howard’s 'Eden': A 1920s Galápagos Island Story of Chaos and Survival
Ron Howard’s film 'Eden' portrays a group of Europeans fleeing post-World War I Germany in the 1920s who attempt to establish a utopian community on the Galápagos island of Floreana. The story follows Dr. Friedrich Ritter and his partner Dore Strauch Ritter, who seek refuge after their home country's turmoil. They encounter settlers like Heinz Wittmer (a WWI veteran) and his wife Margaret, as well as Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn (the Baroness) with her lovers. The film explores themes of chaos, betrayal, and moral dilemmas as the three groups clash over resources. Despite strong performances from Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, and Jude Law, the plot becomes overambitious and unfocused, with the story losing depth in exploring human morality. The movie ends with a bloody conclusion that feels inevitable, based on a true historical event.