Eden: Ana de Armas dominates Ron Howard’s bold new thriller on a volatile island
On a sun-scorched, tension-filled island, two factions led by Friedrich and Dore find their schemes upended by the arrival of a self-styled Baroness. Ana de Armas delivers a standout turn as this glamorous, power-hungry provocateur, bringing a gleeful blend of entitlement and venom to the screen. Her performance, paired with a handful of not-so-helpful entourage, turns every scene into a charged mix of manipulation and spectacle. At times, her exaggerated German-inflected cadence nods to classic cinema while amplifying the film’s over-the-top mood.
The film’s pulse quickens as erotic intrigue collides with moments of brutal violence, pushing Eden into territory that some viewers may find unsettling yet undeniably thrilling. It’s a surprising tonal turn for director Ron Howard, whose catalog has seldom ventured into such perversity, but his direction anchors the material with a steady hand, letting the actors steal the show. De Armas is especially effective, mastering the line between venality and absurdity—she seizes every scene and makes the Baroness irresistible to watch.
Support comes from a capable ensemble, with Friedrich and Dore providing a counterpoint to the Baroness’s excess and the ever-present danger lurking beneath the island’s gilded surface. The result is a provocative blend of drama, dark comedy and suspense that keeps the audience guessing even as it leans into its more audacious impulses.
Details: Eden is rated R for language, violence and sexuality. Running time: 2 hours 9 minutes. In theaters now.
What to watch for and takeaways:
– Ana de Armas delivers a magnetic, risk-taking performance that could become a focal point for awards chatter.
– The film’s willingness to mix erotic tension with harrowing violence creates a controversial but memorable tonal palette.
– Howard’s foray into a more boundary-pushing narrative shows a director unafraid to explore darker, more theatrical material while still delivering strong performances.
Overall, Eden offers a bold, star-powered confrontation with power, desire and danger that will likely divide audiences but leave a lasting impression for its audacity and De Armas’s commanding presence. A provocative ride for fans of edgy thrillers, it stands out as a daring entry in Howard’s filmography.