UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Sydney Sweeney’s survival drama Eden has surged to the #2 spot on Prime Video’s global charts as of November 7, 2023. This follows a disappointing theatrical release where the film grossed only $2 million against a reported budget of $50 million.
This remarkable streaming success highlights a significant disconnect between box office performance and audience reception, as Eden continues to captivate viewers at home. The film, which features an all-star cast including Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, Ana de Armas, and Daniel Brühl, was released to mixed reviews, yet it has found a new audience online.
Eden premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, where it struggled to impress critics, earning a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, its 73% audience score suggests a much warmer reception among everyday viewers, indicating that streaming has revived the film’s fortunes.
“A cohesive theme gets marooned in Eden’s melodramatic dramatization of a colorful true story, but it does provide a starry cast and salacious thrills as compensation,” the critics’ consensus reads.
The film’s plot revolves around an eccentric doctor and his ailing wife who establish a colony in the Galápagos Islands during World War I, drawing on a true story that adds a layer of intrigue. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ron Howard, Eden was expected to perform better given its pedigree and star power.
For Sweeney, who has faced a series of box office disappointments this year, including Madame Web and Americana, this streaming success is a much-needed boost. The actress is also generating Oscar buzz for her upcoming role in the sports drama Christy, slated for release soon.
As audiences continue to flock to Eden, the film’s unexpected rise serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in the entertainment industry, where streaming platforms can significantly alter a film’s trajectory post-release.
What happens next? With Eden holding strong in the streaming charts, analysts will be watching closely to see if it continues to climb or if this is merely a momentary spike. Sweeney’s upcoming projects will also be under scrutiny as she seeks to redefine her cinematic path in the wake of this year’s challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as the story develops.
