Trailer for ‘Eden’ released: Starring Sydney Sweeney, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, and Jude Law

A gripping new film, Eden, directed by Ron Howard, explores the struggles of European settlers on a remote island. The movie boasts a stellar cast, including Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, and Sydney Sweeney. It dives into a true story of survival, conflict, and ambition set in the Galápagos Islands.

The story follows Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and his wife Dora (Vanessa Kirby), who leave Germany in 1929 for Floreana Island, seeking a simple life. Friedrich aims to write, while Dora hopes the island’s calm will improve her health. Their dream of peace fades as new settlers arrive, bringing tension. Heinz and Margret Wittmer (Daniel Brühl and Sydney Sweeney) join them, battling the island’s harsh conditions to build a life. Drama escalates when Eloise (Ana de Armas), a bold woman with two lovers, arrives with plans for a grand hotel. The settlers face wild animals, rough weather, and scarce resources, but their real struggle is with each other. Jealousy, deceit, and betrayal threaten to destroy their small community.

Eden premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, and hit German theaters on April 3, 2025. U.S. audiences can see it starting August 22, 2025, through Vertical. Noah Pink wrote the screenplay, based on a story he crafted with Ron Howard. The film’s score comes from Hans Zimmer, adding intensity to the drama. Filming took place mainly in Queensland, Australia, with some scenes captured in the Galápagos.

Production faced challenges, including the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which led to casting changes. Vanessa Kirby and Sydney Sweeney stepped in after Alicia Vikander and Daisy Edgar-Jones left the project. The film, once called Origin of Species, was retitled Eden in 2023.

Reviews are mixed. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 57% score, and Metacritic rates it 60/100, showing divided opinions. Some critics highlight the cast’s strong performances and the gripping story, while others feel it falls short of expectations.

Eden promises a raw look at human nature in a stunning yet unforgiving setting. With Howard’s direction and a talented cast, it aims to deliver a tense, emotional ride.

Eden seems like a fascinating dive into how people clash when pushed to their limits. The idea of chasing a perfect life only to face chaos is compelling, and the Galápagos setting adds a unique twist. I think the cast’s star power will draw crowds, but I wonder if the story will lean too heavily on drama over substance. What do you think about this survival tale? Will it deliver, or is it overhyped? Share your thoughts in the comments below!