EDEN (Chris P. of IL) 

Picture
A Sony Pictures Classics Film 
Written and Directed by Nicole Holofcener 
Produced by Anthony Bregman, Dede Gardner, and Brad Pitt 
Music by Craig Richey 
Editing by Robert Frazen 
Cinematography by Igor Jadue-Lillo

  Main Cast:  
Julia Roberts as Eden Fuller 
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Denis 
Michael C. Hall as Ronnie
Shailene Woodley as Millie
Josh Hutcherson as Brandon  
Zoë Kravitz as Yevette 
Frances McDormand as Amy 
and
John Slattery as Leroy 

Tagline: "Our personal endeavors can mend the tide of separation."  

Synopsis: New York suburbanite, Eden Fuller (Roberts) is an audacious 43 year-old ESL teacher beleaguered with a crisis of distant relationships. Recently divorced and humiliated by an act of unprofessionalism, her credibility is severely tarnished around the workplace. Late night hookups plus rounds of brewskis at the local tavern influence an occasional "drunk dial" text to her insolent ex-husband, Leroy (Slattery). Due to emotional discomfort, her teenage daughter, Millie (Woodley), a social misfit, moved into the city alongside her awkward fiancé, Brandon (Hutcherson), and his Bohemian mother, Amy (McDormand), after giving birth during senior year in high school. The departure leaves Eden's insecurities rampant with inquiries as well as desperate attempts to rekindle a once inseparable bond. 

To mend the turmoil of her family's abrupt deterioration, Eden pursues a lascivious affair with married associate Denis (Ejiofor), a second generation Bahamian immigrant, who she met during a trip abroad the Caribbean islands. Their escapades ignite an eluded sense of intimate gratification. Both feel unrestrained to maintain a serious romantic liaison yet are connected to the mutual disappointments surrounding their existences. His spontaneous third marriage to the feisty Yevette (Kravitz), a woman twelve years his junior, has also lost its alluring fire. She no longer feels obligated to accept his 'open' position on a monogamous union.

One evening, Eden is visited by her quirky younger brother, Ronnie (Hall), a struggling painter, whose apartment erupted into flames. Since the passing of their mother, they've grown estranged for months. Continuous drug related incarcerations further placed a black sheep stigma on his role in the family. Homeless and disparaged, Eden agrees to move in her sibling under his harsh situation. Yet it isn't long until she discovers his battle with Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Devastated, she consciously affirms to build an emotional connection as Ronnie's health worsens. Coincidentally, Denis holds off on their blossoming fling when Yevette attempts to commit suicide, Millie's upcoming nuptials are disrupted by rising tensions between family members, and Eden reevaluates her circumstances while balancing dignity and humor. "Eden" is about profound dilemmas and how consequences evolve from every action.  

 Press Section: Independent filmmaker Nicole Holofcener's (Please Give) latest dramatic comedy, "Eden", is an authentic portrayal of a woman facing life's disconnections. The screenplay's sharp, biting, dialogue enhances a sense of realism within the characters's confounds. Holofcener emphasizes dysfunctionality in each predicament by implementing humorous undertones beneath the surface of serious issues on family, health, and relationships. Although, the subtle touches of sincerity, displayed through the direction, shine best when the characters acknowledge the overwhelming complications presented their way. It's this presence of humanity that grabs a hold of viewers.

Academy Award® winner, Julia Roberts, is a revelation playing Eden Fuller, the bold but deeply vulnerable title character. Roberts exudes uninhibited sympathy for a woman whose decisions are at times questionable, to say the least. She sorrows in frequent affairs, alcohol, a detachment between her relatives, yet, when given the opportunity to assist her ailing brother, she full-heartedly accepts the responsibilities of caring for a similarly troubled man because she longs for a mutual understanding. The role is just as lively, sexy, witty as it is emotionally complex and Roberts delivers. It's a magnificently brave performance.

The supporting performances are equally impressive. Michael C. Hall plays Ronnie, an estranged sibling whose erratic eccentricities disguise the burden of a fatal disease. In the film, short glimpses of his character's issues are distinguished. He's addicted to heroine, faces countless felonies, and labors diligently to achieve success as an artist. Nevertheless, the past constantly haunts his reputation. Still, Hall's metamorphosis into a dying soul illustrates surprising innocence. Viewers become invested in his future. Chiwetel Eijofor is Denis, a liberated individual reaping the repercussions of exasperating too many desires. Ejiofor's charming but fiercely quick demeanor is expressed through a believable Caribbean dialect. However, when the character realizes the pain he's inflicted on his spouse, it's the picture's most heartfelt instance. The audience witnesses a passionate unraveling of a man embarrassed by his selfish needs. 

As the sassy but conflicted young wife, Yevette, Zoë Kravitz displays the convenient love of a female whose disparities are pushed to their limits. Kravitz's performance, though a devastating and scene stealing tour de force, demonstrates the tender quality of a naive woman who rushes into an unconventional marriage based on assumptions that peace will come as a result. In a minor role, Oscar® winner Frances McDormand portrays the future mother-in-law of Eden's daughter, Millie. Brief scenes involving strained phone conversations among the protagonist and McDormand's free spirited yet subtly blunt grandmother create hilarious tension. Those moments reveal significance behind a woman who feels disturbed by another mother's supposed lack of compassion for her child's emotions. 

Overall, "Eden" is one of the best films of the year. It's a genuinely funny film with devastating realism. A definite must see. 

Awards Consideration 
Best Picture
Best Director - Nicole Holofcener 
Best Actress - Julia Roberts 
Best Supporting Actor - Chiwetel Eijofor 
Best Supporting Actor - Michael C. Hall 
Best Supporting Actress - Zoë Kravitz 
Best Supporting Actress - Frances McDormand 
Best Original Screenplay