Eden reviews
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden is a social realism film about a married Irish couple struggling to come to terms with their now sexless marriage. Our two protagonists, Billy and Breda, are in a long term marriage, with two kids, and because of their recent sexual issues they decide to make a big night of their anniversary, in an attempt to fix their ailing marriage and put some passion back into their relationship. Unknown to Breda is the fact that Billy has become enamoured with a young local girl, who is completely unobtainable, and finds it increasingly more difficult to decide whether or not to stay faithful. Eden highlights, with touching beauty, the struggles of staying faithful.
Eugene O’Briens originally wrote the award-winning play ‘Eden’, and this is a screen adaptation by Director Declan Recks. It was filmed in Ireland and released in 2008 and aired at several film festivals, and actress Eileen Walsh won an award for her role.
This film is absolutely haunting in how it mimics real life; the characters are believable and really bring the viewer into the story. It is a film that is easy to relate to; everyone experiences lust, for another woman, or man. This film is unsettling to watch, it made me feel uncomfortable in how easily I became involved with the characters, how much it made me wish for a happy ending, and how utterly emotionally devastating it is when it all seems to be going wrong. But that is what makes this film so wonderful, yet so excruciating, to watch.
I have never been so moved by a film. It will stay with me for the rest of my life.
David Dawkins (Young Critics)
Eden is a social realism film about a married Irish couple struggling to come to terms with their now sexless marriage. Our two protagonists, Billy and Breda, are in a long term marriage, with two kids, and because of their recent sexual issues they decide to make a big night of their anniversary, in an attempt to fix their ailing marriage and put some passion back into their relationship. Unknown to Breda is the fact that Billy has become enamoured with a young local girl, who is completely unobtainable, and finds it increasingly more difficult to decide whether or not to stay faithful. Eden highlights, with touching beauty, the struggles of staying faithful.Eugene O’Briens originally wrote the award-winning play ‘Eden’, and this is a screen adaptation by Director Declan Recks. It was filmed in Ireland and released in 2008 and aired at several film festivals, and actress Eileen Walsh won an award for her role.
This film is absolutely haunting in how it mimics real life; the characters are believable and really bring the viewer into the story. It is a film that is easy to relate to; everyone experiences lust, for another woman, or man. This film is unsettling to watch, it made me feel uncomfortable in how easily I became involved with the characters, how much it made me wish for a happy ending, and how utterly emotionally devastating it is when it all seems to be going wrong. But that is what makes this film so wonderful, yet so excruciating, to watch.
I have never been so moved by a film. It will stay with me for the rest of my life.
David Dawkins (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
It’s not often that I love a fictional drama, but Eden was one of those films that was perfect from start to finish. Every aspect was faultless and polished. The acting was especially outstanding, the two favourites for me were Aidan Kelly who played ‘Billy’, and Eileen Walsh, who was nominated and won Best Actress 2008 for her performance as ‘Breda’. Up-and-coming director Declan Recks made this film to exactly how it should be, and clearly gathered experience from his various TV work and short films such as Making Ends Meet, and Quando.
The story follows two main characters and their struggle through a relationship as husband and wife, which has lost its spark after 10 years of marriage. With some sub characters to advance the plot, it keeps this film fresh throughout, and constantly gripping.
A truly exceptional film, with some cinematography and a musical score to blow the mind, and fit the mood like a tailored glove. A total success that I would rate 9 out of 10. I would recommend it to anyone, as it is beyond doubt an emotionally moving piece which every audience can relate to or be affected by.
Jane Smith (Young Critics)
It’s not often that I love a fictional drama, but Eden was one of those films that was perfect from start to finish. Every aspect was faultless and polished. The acting was especially outstanding, the two favourites for me were Aidan Kelly who played ‘Billy’, and Eileen Walsh, who was nominated and won Best Actress 2008 for her performance as ‘Breda’. Up-and-coming director Declan Recks made this film to exactly how it should be, and clearly gathered experience from his various TV work and short films such as Making Ends Meet, and Quando. The story follows two main characters and their struggle through a relationship as husband and wife, which has lost its spark after 10 years of marriage. With some sub characters to advance the plot, it keeps this film fresh throughout, and constantly gripping.
A truly exceptional film, with some cinematography and a musical score to blow the mind, and fit the mood like a tailored glove. A total success that I would rate 9 out of 10. I would recommend it to anyone, as it is beyond doubt an emotionally moving piece which every audience can relate to or be affected by.
Jane Smith (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
‘Eden,’ based on Eugene O’Brien’s play of the same name is a beautifully understated examination of a disintegrating relationship. After 10 years of marriage, Billy (Kelly) seems to avoid any contact with his wife Breda (Walsh), staying out after work, and shunning her timid attempts to initiate affection. Reck’s film is a slow-burner but it builds to a climax that more than justifies its subdued pacing. It is a technique that meticulously builds character. O’Brien’s strikingly spare script coupled with spot on performances from Kelly and Walsh builds characters that are at once both subtle archetypes and yet tragically human. It is here that Eden showcases its real strengths: it is an intimate film, exploring the inner conflicts of its characters; forcing the viewer to see the profundity through the seemingly mundane events that punctuate the narrative. However it is also unmistakeably a comment on the emotional incarceration that a marriage can become.
Everything about Eden, from the setting to the gently understated score seems low-key; yet the conflict and poignancy of the film arises from the minutiae of the characters' lives without ever being defined by it. On one level it can be appreciated as a compelling drama, yet for me, Eden spoke about everything that a relationship can be, about how desire can cloud our understanding of love, our appreciation of those closest to us.
Loz Phillips (Young Critics)
‘Eden,’ based on Eugene O’Brien’s play of the same name is a beautifully understated examination of a disintegrating relationship. After 10 years of marriage, Billy (Kelly) seems to avoid any contact with his wife Breda (Walsh), staying out after work, and shunning her timid attempts to initiate affection. Reck’s film is a slow-burner but it builds to a climax that more than justifies its subdued pacing. It is a technique that meticulously builds character. O’Brien’s strikingly spare script coupled with spot on performances from Kelly and Walsh builds characters that are at once both subtle archetypes and yet tragically human. It is here that Eden showcases its real strengths: it is an intimate film, exploring the inner conflicts of its characters; forcing the viewer to see the profundity through the seemingly mundane events that punctuate the narrative. However it is also unmistakeably a comment on the emotional incarceration that a marriage can become. Everything about Eden, from the setting to the gently understated score seems low-key; yet the conflict and poignancy of the film arises from the minutiae of the characters' lives without ever being defined by it. On one level it can be appreciated as a compelling drama, yet for me, Eden spoke about everything that a relationship can be, about how desire can cloud our understanding of love, our appreciation of those closest to us.
Loz Phillips (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden takes a believable look at the slow disintegration of a marriage. Declan Recks adapts the story from Eugene O’Brien, who wrote the screenplay based on his award-winning play.
Billy and Breda Farrell (Aidan Kelly and Eileen Walsh) approach their 10th anniversary. Billy, a telephone line repairman, eavesdrops on any conversation while waiting to go drinking with his friends and relive the moment he saved a child from drowning. He obsesses about a younger woman (Sarah Greene) who he wrongly thinks is attracted to him.
Breda stays home with their two children, devastated by her dying marriage. She puts all her hopes on the dress she’s sewing for the anniversary that she prays will rejuvenate their relationship.
Extended monologues brandish the film and it nicely translates the long silences, meaningful glances and occasional confrontation of characters from a play to the big screen.
Visually, the film impresses the most and is shot very well. The cinematography contains wide landscapes and empowering locations yet the story is well held in place over these isolated people stuck within their own issues and problems.
The acting by the two leads is equally good. Aidan Kelly balances Billy’s boyish charm with his immature denial while Eileen Walsh widely expresses her conscious vulnerability.
A well-made and analytical social drama that would be most appropriately recommended towards a crowd of women aged between 25-40, but anyone looking for a quick slice of entertainment will be let down as the film ranges from being slow and downbeat to even slower and more downbeat.
Ahmed Forhad (Young Critics)
Eden takes a believable look at the slow disintegration of a marriage. Declan Recks adapts the story from Eugene O’Brien, who wrote the screenplay based on his award-winning play. Billy and Breda Farrell (Aidan Kelly and Eileen Walsh) approach their 10th anniversary. Billy, a telephone line repairman, eavesdrops on any conversation while waiting to go drinking with his friends and relive the moment he saved a child from drowning. He obsesses about a younger woman (Sarah Greene) who he wrongly thinks is attracted to him.
Breda stays home with their two children, devastated by her dying marriage. She puts all her hopes on the dress she’s sewing for the anniversary that she prays will rejuvenate their relationship.
Extended monologues brandish the film and it nicely translates the long silences, meaningful glances and occasional confrontation of characters from a play to the big screen.
Visually, the film impresses the most and is shot very well. The cinematography contains wide landscapes and empowering locations yet the story is well held in place over these isolated people stuck within their own issues and problems.
The acting by the two leads is equally good. Aidan Kelly balances Billy’s boyish charm with his immature denial while Eileen Walsh widely expresses her conscious vulnerability.
A well-made and analytical social drama that would be most appropriately recommended towards a crowd of women aged between 25-40, but anyone looking for a quick slice of entertainment will be let down as the film ranges from being slow and downbeat to even slower and more downbeat.
Ahmed Forhad (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden, a film directed by Declan Recks an adaptation to a screenplay, tells the tale of a married couple that are verging on their 10th year anniversary. Their marriage is rocky at best, while Billy spends his time down the pub with his mates Breda is left at home while the kids sleep. It's clear the two still love each other but temptation for both is rife.
A certain young woman catches the eye of Billy and he finds himself fascinated and focused on her whenever he goes out for the night, Breda finds solace in a friend of Billy’s who cares for her when Billy neglects her for his young love.
As the anniversary looms, the lust for the young girl takes over Billy and he agrees to see her on the night of his anniversary even though he is taking Breda out for the first time in years. The night doesn’t go as planned as Breda is left alone, as she walks back to their house she comes across Billy’s friend and the two share an intimate night on one of the boats by the path.
Billy however isn’t successful with his attempt at charming the young woman and embarrasses himself in front of his friends, he leaves shaken and upset and returns home.
Both actors give a believable and heart-warming performance, and this film is a great testament to Irish drama. I do feel however that the film was slightly dragged out in some scenes, which distracted me as the viewer from the relationship between the couple.
Lavinia Anders (Young Critics)
Eden, a film directed by Declan Recks an adaptation to a screenplay, tells the tale of a married couple that are verging on their 10th year anniversary. Their marriage is rocky at best, while Billy spends his time down the pub with his mates Breda is left at home while the kids sleep. It's clear the two still love each other but temptation for both is rife.A certain young woman catches the eye of Billy and he finds himself fascinated and focused on her whenever he goes out for the night, Breda finds solace in a friend of Billy’s who cares for her when Billy neglects her for his young love.
As the anniversary looms, the lust for the young girl takes over Billy and he agrees to see her on the night of his anniversary even though he is taking Breda out for the first time in years. The night doesn’t go as planned as Breda is left alone, as she walks back to their house she comes across Billy’s friend and the two share an intimate night on one of the boats by the path.
Billy however isn’t successful with his attempt at charming the young woman and embarrasses himself in front of his friends, he leaves shaken and upset and returns home.
Both actors give a believable and heart-warming performance, and this film is a great testament to Irish drama. I do feel however that the film was slightly dragged out in some scenes, which distracted me as the viewer from the relationship between the couple.
Lavinia Anders (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden is an Irish drama based around the increasing relationship problems between Billy and Breda. Billy is neglecting their relationship as he spends more and more time out with his friends at the pub, ogling over a younger woman. Whereas Breda spends most nights indoors on her own with the pre-teen children. We see Breda struggling to put on a brave face and eventually breaks down to her friend, revealing her innermost feelings. Their relationship hits rock bottom on the night of their 10th wedding anniversary and they both make regretful decisions.
Directed by Declan Recks, this film is very emotionally stimulating and allows us to sympathise with the characters. The acting from Eileen Walsh and Aidan Kelly is realistic and really draws the audience into the heartbreak they are feeling. Declan Recks paces the film well. However, I felt that there were some scenes that dragged on slightly and I found the film lost my attention a few times.
I found Eden a very emotional film and would not usually be my choice in viewing. But the honest portrayal of the downfall of a marriage really captivated me. Even though the storyline is somewhat gloomy, it is refreshing to see a deep and honest film like this. I also found the Irish accents and culture endearing. I would certainly recommend this film.
Colleen Thomas (Young Critics)
Eden is an Irish drama based around the increasing relationship problems between Billy and Breda. Billy is neglecting their relationship as he spends more and more time out with his friends at the pub, ogling over a younger woman. Whereas Breda spends most nights indoors on her own with the pre-teen children. We see Breda struggling to put on a brave face and eventually breaks down to her friend, revealing her innermost feelings. Their relationship hits rock bottom on the night of their 10th wedding anniversary and they both make regretful decisions.Directed by Declan Recks, this film is very emotionally stimulating and allows us to sympathise with the characters. The acting from Eileen Walsh and Aidan Kelly is realistic and really draws the audience into the heartbreak they are feeling. Declan Recks paces the film well. However, I felt that there were some scenes that dragged on slightly and I found the film lost my attention a few times.
I found Eden a very emotional film and would not usually be my choice in viewing. But the honest portrayal of the downfall of a marriage really captivated me. Even though the storyline is somewhat gloomy, it is refreshing to see a deep and honest film like this. I also found the Irish accents and culture endearing. I would certainly recommend this film.
Colleen Thomas (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden, Based on the play by Eugene O’Brien is a beautifully portrayed story of problems within a marriage, Aimed at a large audience Eden relates to every one of us, and it’s told through the two entwining stories of Billy (Aidan Kelly) and Breda(Eileen Walsh) a married couple in Ireland and their two children during the week before their 10th wedding anniversary. The film incorporates two typically social issues, Billy, an alcoholic, playing scenes including realistic portrayals of drunken male behaviour and Breda has weight issues and constantly worries about her husband not wanting her anymore.
The frightening part about this film is the large amount of social realism it includes, director Recks encourages a mixture of feelings in the audience as to who we will ultimately feel sorry for, Billy, an alcoholic with unfaithful desires towards a much younger woman or Breda a wife who struggles to make her husband want her and finally has an affair on the night of the anniversary, the audience is then pushed to levels of sympathy with a tearful resolution of declarations of love between the two characters.
Eden incorporates imagery of the beautiful setting of Irish countryside and Recks creates a feeling of isolation with both characters by using images of the sky and vast open spaces. Striking yet subtle background music builds up the pace of this beautiful realistic drama. Walsh and Kelly fit the roles of their characters with Hard-hitting yet stunning performances. Altogether a beautiful and artistic piece.
Claire Scott (Young Critics)
Eden, Based on the play by Eugene O’Brien is a beautifully portrayed story of problems within a marriage, Aimed at a large audience Eden relates to every one of us, and it’s told through the two entwining stories of Billy (Aidan Kelly) and Breda(Eileen Walsh) a married couple in Ireland and their two children during the week before their 10th wedding anniversary. The film incorporates two typically social issues, Billy, an alcoholic, playing scenes including realistic portrayals of drunken male behaviour and Breda has weight issues and constantly worries about her husband not wanting her anymore. The frightening part about this film is the large amount of social realism it includes, director Recks encourages a mixture of feelings in the audience as to who we will ultimately feel sorry for, Billy, an alcoholic with unfaithful desires towards a much younger woman or Breda a wife who struggles to make her husband want her and finally has an affair on the night of the anniversary, the audience is then pushed to levels of sympathy with a tearful resolution of declarations of love between the two characters.
Eden incorporates imagery of the beautiful setting of Irish countryside and Recks creates a feeling of isolation with both characters by using images of the sky and vast open spaces. Striking yet subtle background music builds up the pace of this beautiful realistic drama. Walsh and Kelly fit the roles of their characters with Hard-hitting yet stunning performances. Altogether a beautiful and artistic piece.
Claire Scott (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden, what a beautiful film that will stay in your mind like the memory of a lost one. Eden was directed by Declan Recks and stars Aidan Kelly and Eileen Walsh. The film is set in Ireland and follows a married couple, Breda and Billy, who are about to enter their 10th anniversary. However their relationship is stale and they both try to rekindle that love that was once lost but Billy finds himself attracted to another woman.
The film captures, so perfectly, the idea of becoming distant with your partner and suffering from erectile dysfunction. The film is a masterpiece in its own right and really engages its audience with the characters.
The performance from the cast is absolutely riveting, they really help to makes this film seem even more real. I think that with a film like Eden you will really relate to the situations and will find yourself so drawn into the film. You will laugh, cry and perhaps even take something away with you from this film. Which is a lot more than I can say for some films.
Fraser Paterson (Young Critics)
Eden, what a beautiful film that will stay in your mind like the memory of a lost one. Eden was directed by Declan Recks and stars Aidan Kelly and Eileen Walsh. The film is set in Ireland and follows a married couple, Breda and Billy, who are about to enter their 10th anniversary. However their relationship is stale and they both try to rekindle that love that was once lost but Billy finds himself attracted to another woman. The film captures, so perfectly, the idea of becoming distant with your partner and suffering from erectile dysfunction. The film is a masterpiece in its own right and really engages its audience with the characters.
The performance from the cast is absolutely riveting, they really help to makes this film seem even more real. I think that with a film like Eden you will really relate to the situations and will find yourself so drawn into the film. You will laugh, cry and perhaps even take something away with you from this film. Which is a lot more than I can say for some films.
Fraser Paterson (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden is the adaptation of the play Eden by Eugene O’Brien he also wrote the film script. It’s directed by Declan Recks. The film outlines an Irish couple's struggle as they approach their 10th wedding anniversary and through their lack of communication each one of the couple needs someone to talk to and express their feelings. But eventually these feelings are expressed a little too much and the film climaxes when Breda Farrell played by Eileen Walsh cheats on her husband, whilst he stood her up in search of the younger girl of his dreams.
It’s a touching film and makes you feel as if you are looking in on a real Irish family. It is extremely well acted and produced. You really make an attachment to the characters as we feel sorry for them when we see what the other person is up to, even towards the end when Breda does cheat on Billy Farrell played by Aidan Kelly we nearly feel happy that she has got one back on him.
In conclusion I feel it was a great Irish film even though I don’t feel it was targeted at people my age, I still feel people can relate to it as a lot of people have had bad relationships. Over all I’ll give it 7/10 this means I really enjoyed it and would recommend others to view it.
Patrick Calvert (Young Critics)
Eden is the adaptation of the play Eden by Eugene O’Brien he also wrote the film script. It’s directed by Declan Recks. The film outlines an Irish couple's struggle as they approach their 10th wedding anniversary and through their lack of communication each one of the couple needs someone to talk to and express their feelings. But eventually these feelings are expressed a little too much and the film climaxes when Breda Farrell played by Eileen Walsh cheats on her husband, whilst he stood her up in search of the younger girl of his dreams.It’s a touching film and makes you feel as if you are looking in on a real Irish family. It is extremely well acted and produced. You really make an attachment to the characters as we feel sorry for them when we see what the other person is up to, even towards the end when Breda does cheat on Billy Farrell played by Aidan Kelly we nearly feel happy that she has got one back on him.
In conclusion I feel it was a great Irish film even though I don’t feel it was targeted at people my age, I still feel people can relate to it as a lot of people have had bad relationships. Over all I’ll give it 7/10 this means I really enjoyed it and would recommend others to view it.
Patrick Calvert (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden, directed by Declan Recks, follows a week in the lives of Billy and Breda, an Irish couple who have lost the spark in their relationship and Breda’s determination to get it back. The film feels as though it is following two different stories, Breda’s story and Billy’s story. We see Billy and his difficulty in getting intimate with his wife and how he starts to get feelings for another, younger woman. This leaves a sense of foreboding. We also see how Breda is left feeling alone and neglected by her husband and the misery this causes her.
Towards the end of the film we see all the tension that is built up in the film explode into the climax as Billy ditches his wife at a club on their 10th anniversary to go to a party of the young girl that he has fallen for, and then forces himself upon her in a drunken state. Meanwhile, Breda leaves the club and ends up getting ‘intimate’ with another man in a boat on the river, which is referenced earlier in the film when Breda is telling her friend about a fantasy that she often has.
The end of the film turns out the way you want it to when the couple decide to give the relationship another go.
The film itself is a screen adaptation of Eugene O’Brien’s award winning play, which has the same name.
This film is an excellent and touching film that is very realistic. The couple appear to be regular people with a normal, realistic problem, which seems to make the film that bit more hard-hitting and memorable.
Rochelle Mallet (Young Critics)
Eden, directed by Declan Recks, follows a week in the lives of Billy and Breda, an Irish couple who have lost the spark in their relationship and Breda’s determination to get it back. The film feels as though it is following two different stories, Breda’s story and Billy’s story. We see Billy and his difficulty in getting intimate with his wife and how he starts to get feelings for another, younger woman. This leaves a sense of foreboding. We also see how Breda is left feeling alone and neglected by her husband and the misery this causes her. Towards the end of the film we see all the tension that is built up in the film explode into the climax as Billy ditches his wife at a club on their 10th anniversary to go to a party of the young girl that he has fallen for, and then forces himself upon her in a drunken state. Meanwhile, Breda leaves the club and ends up getting ‘intimate’ with another man in a boat on the river, which is referenced earlier in the film when Breda is telling her friend about a fantasy that she often has.
The end of the film turns out the way you want it to when the couple decide to give the relationship another go.
The film itself is a screen adaptation of Eugene O’Brien’s award winning play, which has the same name.
This film is an excellent and touching film that is very realistic. The couple appear to be regular people with a normal, realistic problem, which seems to make the film that bit more hard-hitting and memorable.
Rochelle Mallet (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Directed by Declan Recks and written by Eugene O’Brien, Eden is a drama based on a married couple living in Ireland. As their 10th anniversary approaches, their relationship starts to fall apart as Billy (Aidan Kelly) lusts over a much younger girl and Breda (Eileen Walsh) begins to feel neglected and hopes that the upcoming anniversary will rekindle the passion between them. Billy is a dedicated father to his two children Edel and James, although he spends most of his free time in the pub with his mates while Breda sits at home on her own.
From the very start of the film we get the impression that Breda is very insecure, as she is attending a weight-loss club and stays in the house of an evening. As I watch the film I begin to feel sympathetic for Breda (but not towards Billy), but I feel that the script has no ‘bad’ or ‘good’ characters. I think that Billy is blissfully unaware of the problems in his relationship, and he seems to be going through a mid-life crisis. Of course we can’t lay all the blame at Billy's door, as he seems to be very unhappy with the marriage and it’s almost like he is hiding from his wife in the pub every night.
The director plays on your expectations near the end of the film, as the outcome is not what you would expect. By the end both Breda and Billy feel guilty about what they have done, but neither speak of it. Overall, I thought this film was average. The cinematography is very good, but I feel that some scenes seem to drag on a bit longer than I would have liked, and the montage sequences feel a bit weak. The story aside, I think that this film is well shot with some beautiful imagery.
Ash Robinson (Young Critics)
Directed by Declan Recks and written by Eugene O’Brien, Eden is a drama based on a married couple living in Ireland. As their 10th anniversary approaches, their relationship starts to fall apart as Billy (Aidan Kelly) lusts over a much younger girl and Breda (Eileen Walsh) begins to feel neglected and hopes that the upcoming anniversary will rekindle the passion between them. Billy is a dedicated father to his two children Edel and James, although he spends most of his free time in the pub with his mates while Breda sits at home on her own.From the very start of the film we get the impression that Breda is very insecure, as she is attending a weight-loss club and stays in the house of an evening. As I watch the film I begin to feel sympathetic for Breda (but not towards Billy), but I feel that the script has no ‘bad’ or ‘good’ characters. I think that Billy is blissfully unaware of the problems in his relationship, and he seems to be going through a mid-life crisis. Of course we can’t lay all the blame at Billy's door, as he seems to be very unhappy with the marriage and it’s almost like he is hiding from his wife in the pub every night.
The director plays on your expectations near the end of the film, as the outcome is not what you would expect. By the end both Breda and Billy feel guilty about what they have done, but neither speak of it. Overall, I thought this film was average. The cinematography is very good, but I feel that some scenes seem to drag on a bit longer than I would have liked, and the montage sequences feel a bit weak. The story aside, I think that this film is well shot with some beautiful imagery.
Ash Robinson (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Eden, a gritty social realism set in Ireland. The story follows Breda and Billy, a married couple seemingly having problems. Billy spends most of his time at the pub and keeps looking at younger women. Breda has low self esteem leading to confidence and weight issues. As this film is told, our characters try in vane to smooth-over problems by making plans for their forthcoming ten year anniversary. Billy becomes more and more tempted by a particular young woman. Eventually, he sneaks out of a club on his anniversary to go to a house party knowing this young woman will be there. He tries to seduce this woman but she pushes him off and he hits his head. People are disgusted with his behaviour. Meanwhile, his wife is upset that her husband left the club and walks home, she bumps into an old friend and seeks comfort. She ends up sleeping with him on a boat and then returns home. After a realisation on both parts, they talk over their problems and return to each other.
This film was directed by Declan Recks and is a play adaptation. This film was given a 15 certificate. This film touches upon household and marital situations and shows that temptation is always out there.
This film raises some important issues but in my opinion, this film is dragged out for a little too long and this disguises the fantastic screenplay and the set design. Declan Recks obviously had a vision when making this film and this comes across with some of the emotionally devastating scenes within the film. This film would be suitable for an audience of around 18-30 with a mature understanding of real life. A fantastic, touching film. A job well done. Not for the faint hearted but nevertheless a must see.
Paul Wick (Young Critics)
Eden, a gritty social realism set in Ireland. The story follows Breda and Billy, a married couple seemingly having problems. Billy spends most of his time at the pub and keeps looking at younger women. Breda has low self esteem leading to confidence and weight issues. As this film is told, our characters try in vane to smooth-over problems by making plans for their forthcoming ten year anniversary. Billy becomes more and more tempted by a particular young woman. Eventually, he sneaks out of a club on his anniversary to go to a house party knowing this young woman will be there. He tries to seduce this woman but she pushes him off and he hits his head. People are disgusted with his behaviour. Meanwhile, his wife is upset that her husband left the club and walks home, she bumps into an old friend and seeks comfort. She ends up sleeping with him on a boat and then returns home. After a realisation on both parts, they talk over their problems and return to each other. This film was directed by Declan Recks and is a play adaptation. This film was given a 15 certificate. This film touches upon household and marital situations and shows that temptation is always out there.
This film raises some important issues but in my opinion, this film is dragged out for a little too long and this disguises the fantastic screenplay and the set design. Declan Recks obviously had a vision when making this film and this comes across with some of the emotionally devastating scenes within the film. This film would be suitable for an audience of around 18-30 with a mature understanding of real life. A fantastic, touching film. A job well done. Not for the faint hearted but nevertheless a must see.
Paul Wick (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
The film is made up of scenarios of Billy and Breda’s relationship problems. The film is set mainly in their home with their family, the pub where Billy likes to go so often and hang out with his boys and at home where Breda fights her loneliness with food and her close friend. The film goes very slowly, but Billy’s scenes are played out interestingly to make the pace of the film go on. As the film touches on very commonly used subjects in UK films, no new ground is covered but the film being directed by Declan Recks has been done very well, the acting of the characters make it work, but the film goes on too long in certain areas that are not particularly useful for it. Saying that, the story flows well and the scenarios flow together. As both sides of the story (Billy and Breda’s) go on, we see how they both have distractions from their relationship, but the way they portray them, is highly different. Billy, being a man, will go to other lengths due to drinking and female distractions. As the two storylines continue, you try to guess that at some point the two paths will cross, but they never do when you expect them to, this makes it more interesting and unpredictable. So overall, the film is not necessarily a film about the evils of alcohol as portrayed in a lot of US films, but it’s about the relationship errors many people get through all kinds of distractions. As for the film being on a very common subject, nothing new is shown, but the acting and directing makes up for it.
Timour Baibekov(Young Critics)
The film is made up of scenarios of Billy and Breda’s relationship problems. The film is set mainly in their home with their family, the pub where Billy likes to go so often and hang out with his boys and at home where Breda fights her loneliness with food and her close friend. The film goes very slowly, but Billy’s scenes are played out interestingly to make the pace of the film go on. As the film touches on very commonly used subjects in UK films, no new ground is covered but the film being directed by Declan Recks has been done very well, the acting of the characters make it work, but the film goes on too long in certain areas that are not particularly useful for it. Saying that, the story flows well and the scenarios flow together. As both sides of the story (Billy and Breda’s) go on, we see how they both have distractions from their relationship, but the way they portray them, is highly different. Billy, being a man, will go to other lengths due to drinking and female distractions. As the two storylines continue, you try to guess that at some point the two paths will cross, but they never do when you expect them to, this makes it more interesting and unpredictable. So overall, the film is not necessarily a film about the evils of alcohol as portrayed in a lot of US films, but it’s about the relationship errors many people get through all kinds of distractions. As for the film being on a very common subject, nothing new is shown, but the acting and directing makes up for it.Timour Baibekov(Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
Within the opening few minutes of the film it is screamingly obvious there are vast differences between the two main characters Billy and Breda. Billy prefers the company of his male friends in the pub, envying them as they boast of sexual exploits, and lusting after a younger woman whereas Breda has a sexual fantasy of her own, and fuelled by wine, tells it to her best friend. The personal tension between the unhappy couple mounts to the point where it becomes unbearable and in desperate need of release.
Directed by Declan Recks, EDEN is rooted in raw honesty and realism, and the cast responds admirably. Actor Aiden Kelly captures Billy in all his restlessness and smouldering intensity, and Eileen Walsh is wonderfully expressive in silently conveying Breda's frustrations and desires.
The obvious flaw in this film is the thick Irish accent which the majority of the cast carry, unfortunately meaning some of the dialogue is lost in translation and creating a downside to the script adapted from the original stage show by Eugene O'Brien.
All in all it’s a well adapted screen version of the original stage show. It’s well acted and well directed. In my honest opinion the ending falls short of what it could or should have been but for the right audience it will be a well received film.
Rachel Thornton (Young Critics)
Within the opening few minutes of the film it is screamingly obvious there are vast differences between the two main characters Billy and Breda. Billy prefers the company of his male friends in the pub, envying them as they boast of sexual exploits, and lusting after a younger woman whereas Breda has a sexual fantasy of her own, and fuelled by wine, tells it to her best friend. The personal tension between the unhappy couple mounts to the point where it becomes unbearable and in desperate need of release.Directed by Declan Recks, EDEN is rooted in raw honesty and realism, and the cast responds admirably. Actor Aiden Kelly captures Billy in all his restlessness and smouldering intensity, and Eileen Walsh is wonderfully expressive in silently conveying Breda's frustrations and desires.
The obvious flaw in this film is the thick Irish accent which the majority of the cast carry, unfortunately meaning some of the dialogue is lost in translation and creating a downside to the script adapted from the original stage show by Eugene O'Brien.
All in all it’s a well adapted screen version of the original stage show. It’s well acted and well directed. In my honest opinion the ending falls short of what it could or should have been but for the right audience it will be a well received film.
Rachel Thornton (Young Critics)
Review by on 21 Oct 2008
EDEN is a social realism film about a couple Billy and Breda who are coming up to their 10th wedding anniversary. Although they still love each other their marriage is falling apart in front of their eyes - because Billy spends the majority of his time at the pub with his friends while Breda stays at home with the kids. This results in them never talking about the problems that they are going though so they can never get past them. It gets to the point where although Billy loves Breda he is looking for more in the way of a younger girl. Although deep down he knows that nothing could happen with her he keeps fantasising about it until it gets to the point where he needs to try it.
EDEN is the screen adaptation of Eugene O'Brien's critically acclaimed, award-winning play of the same name. In my opinion it is one of the best films I have seen this year. It’s so real you could imagine it happening to anyone from the couple next door to your self.
In my eyes this film deserver to be on the big screen showing to the masses. I think it could become a massive hit because it is so easy to relate to. It’s all about everyday life and how not everything in life happens as you planned it to.
Alec Houghton (Young Critics)
EDEN is a social realism film about a couple Billy and Breda who are coming up to their 10th wedding anniversary. Although they still love each other their marriage is falling apart in front of their eyes - because Billy spends the majority of his time at the pub with his friends while Breda stays at home with the kids. This results in them never talking about the problems that they are going though so they can never get past them. It gets to the point where although Billy loves Breda he is looking for more in the way of a younger girl. Although deep down he knows that nothing could happen with her he keeps fantasising about it until it gets to the point where he needs to try it.EDEN is the screen adaptation of Eugene O'Brien's critically acclaimed, award-winning play of the same name. In my opinion it is one of the best films I have seen this year. It’s so real you could imagine it happening to anyone from the couple next door to your self.
In my eyes this film deserver to be on the big screen showing to the masses. I think it could become a massive hit because it is so easy to relate to. It’s all about everyday life and how not everything in life happens as you planned it to.
Alec Houghton (Young Critics)
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
A deeply moving story in which the characters could be the people living next door, in the same street or even in your own bedroom. Was sad, sometimes funny and beautifully filmed. Really worth seeing.
A deeply moving story in which the characters could be the people living next door, in the same street or even in your own bedroom. Was sad, sometimes funny and beautifully filmed. Really worth seeing.
Review by on 24 Sep 2008
EDEN is an intimately powerful portrayal of a couple approaching their 10th wedding anniversary in a marriage undermined by their inability to talk about their real problems. Although they still love each other Billy increasingly spends time in the pub with his friends whilst Breda stays home with the television. The silences in their lives are crushingly intense and underlined by an exquisitely beautiful score.
The three main protagonists each have their own colour, used to create dreamlike sequences that project their inner emotions. The cinematography is both subtle and intense, like the shot of a discarded lifesaver in the canal that reminds us of a time when Billy felt powerful rather than emasculated, when his life was filled with real rather than imagined passion.
Filmed in rural Tullamore, Ireland, it could have been set almost anywhere, so universal are the themes and emotions it captures. It’s impossible not to sympathise with Billy and Breda. Originally from a stage play, EDEN has intellectual and emotional depth but also enough humour and wit to be entertaining rather than depressing.
It would be impossible for anyone who has seen their carefree days of certainty and youth fade into something less than they dreamed of it, not to be gripped by the emotional rawness just beneath the surface, particularly in the final scene. But this is far from a sad or hopeless picture and it will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and wondered why they just sometimes can’t seem to get it right.
Rickie Harper, Festival Daily
EDEN is an intimately powerful portrayal of a couple approaching their 10th wedding anniversary in a marriage undermined by their inability to talk about their real problems. Although they still love each other Billy increasingly spends time in the pub with his friends whilst Breda stays home with the television. The silences in their lives are crushingly intense and underlined by an exquisitely beautiful score.The three main protagonists each have their own colour, used to create dreamlike sequences that project their inner emotions. The cinematography is both subtle and intense, like the shot of a discarded lifesaver in the canal that reminds us of a time when Billy felt powerful rather than emasculated, when his life was filled with real rather than imagined passion.
Filmed in rural Tullamore, Ireland, it could have been set almost anywhere, so universal are the themes and emotions it captures. It’s impossible not to sympathise with Billy and Breda. Originally from a stage play, EDEN has intellectual and emotional depth but also enough humour and wit to be entertaining rather than depressing.
It would be impossible for anyone who has seen their carefree days of certainty and youth fade into something less than they dreamed of it, not to be gripped by the emotional rawness just beneath the surface, particularly in the final scene. But this is far from a sad or hopeless picture and it will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and wondered why they just sometimes can’t seem to get it right.
Rickie Harper, Festival Daily
Review by on 21 Sep 2008
Great film - so real. Splendid to have the lead actor to talk about it.
Great film - so real. Splendid to have the lead actor to talk about it.
Review by on 21 Sep 2008
Much much better than its tv origins would suggest, it deserves the big screen and a wide showing - get it distributed! It has been opened up from the stage play wonderfully (forget any thoughts that a stage playwright can't be trusted to properly develop a play for another medium) and its beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted. The lead male character comes off badly and the lead women are thoughtfully portrayed, you will be gripped throughout.
Much much better than its tv origins would suggest, it deserves the big screen and a wide showing - get it distributed! It has been opened up from the stage play wonderfully (forget any thoughts that a stage playwright can't be trusted to properly develop a play for another medium) and its beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted. The lead male character comes off badly and the lead women are thoughtfully portrayed, you will be gripped throughout.
Review by on 19 Sep 2008
Great little Irish film.
Great little Irish film.
Film details
Eden
NEW FEATURES
Director: Declan Recks
Actor: Aidan Kelly
Actor: Eileen Walsh
Actor: Padraic Delaney
Actor: Karl Shields
Actor: Lesley Conroy
Actor: Kate O'Toole
Actor: Enda Oates
Actor: Sarah Green
Actor: Aidan Kelly
Actor: Eileen Walsh
Actor: Padraic Delaney
Actor: Karl Shields
Actor: Lesley Conroy
Actor: Kate O'Toole
Actor: Enda Oates
Actor: Sarah Green
Ireland, 2008.
85 mins. English.
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