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The Absence of Eden

Play trailer 2:21 Poster for The Absence of Eden R Released Apr 12 1h 25m Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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38% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
The Absence of Eden takes place at the border between the United States and Mexico -- a hellish landscape inhabited by coyotes, armed officers, desperate immigrants, and refugees. When Esmee (Zoe Saldaña), a young woman working as a private dancer in Mexico, is forced to commit a violent act of self-defense that results in the death of a cartel member, she flees her homeland for sanctuary in the United States. Guided by a ruthless Coyote and a group of undocumented immigrants, she befriends a young mother and her daughter along the way. Before crossing the border, the mother is taken from the group, and Esmee promises to protect her daughter and help them reunite again in America, touching off an interlocking story about people struggling to survive on America's border with Mexico.
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The Absence of Eden

Critics Reviews

View All (16) Critics Reviews
Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups The wonderful Zoe Saldaña plays Esmee, a Mexican migrant desperately trying to escape the tentacles of human and drug trafficking on both sides of the border. Rated: 3/5 Apr 19, 2024 Full Review Carlos Aguilar Variety A strong calling card for Perego. Apr 12, 2024 Full Review Richard Roeper Chicago Sun-Times In this taut and gripping drama from director/co-writer Marco Perego, Saldaña delivers arguably her most impactful performance yet in a film that mirrors today’s headlines... Rated: 3/4 Apr 11, 2024 Full Review Clotilde Chinnici Loud and Clear Reviews Overall, The Absence of Eden is undoubtedly a much-needed film in today’s political scenario. This is especially true given the upcoming elections in the United States, which seem to always spark discussions around immigration and border policies. Rated: 3.5/5 Sep 14, 2024 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix The Absence of Eden has an absence of a cohesive plot. This clumsy drama portrays multiple sides of undocumented immigration and law enforcement in the U.S., but the story falls apart in the last dreadful 30 minutes. May 4, 2024 Full Review Murjani Rawls Substream Magazine There are deeper issues that require more digging, and the film shines a light on them, but the pull of roping things together doesn’t allow it to invest in making needed statements definitively. Apr 18, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (6) audience reviews
Tonia R This movie was written so good!. Not many writers or film makers grasp the accuracy of violence that occur while trying to come to this country for a “better life.” I think because Hollywood isn’t “the place” for the deep realities of pain, and human suffering. As most Americans can’t even fathom, because our natural born opportunities. Like our Great Grandparents, the benefits we gain from their suffering just for freedom to have. It’s well directed, Zoe Saldana is so amazing. I feel her passion throughout the movie like this is from her heart aka: knowing her background. The actors were all so amazing in capturing their character. It just feels real. I recommend watching it, just be ready for all type of emotions. Best movie I have watched in a long time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/04/24 Full Review Lisa P Great film. Amazing directorial debut for Marco Perego. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/02/24 Full Review james i It was good but I felt like it would work better as a tv show there was no resolutions to the 2 main stories. I was left with to many questions and wanting to know the fate of the main characters. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/18/24 Full Review Customer S I'm a little confused by the low pretentious "film reviewers" ratings as this was a beautifully shot movie and superbly acted. I hope a lot more people go out and see this film and that it will be available for purchase and streaming at some point. It was beautifully shot and every frame could be a photograph of art! Zoe was amazing and in my opinion some of her best work that I've ever seen, and that goes for all of the cast not a weak one in the bunch. The story is heartfelt, and only a glimpse of what people in both sides of the fence are going through with immigration and sadly, sadly it's probably 100x's worse than anything this film will show you or has time to convey. Yes It does end abruptly but doesn't bother me in the least as it makes you think about what you just watched and reflect upon it. I hope one day we get the true director's cut from Marco. I highly recommend this film to anyone! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review lisa k very disjointed and super slow. wasted potential and talent from z saldana; she was incredible. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 04/14/24 Full Review David K A beautfiul and heartwrenching film, this has had my wife and I talking about real life issues for the last 2 days. The twists and compelling storytelling put you in the front seat of the lives of so many who are risking their lives daily for a better life. Incredible art and direction as well, and world class performances make this a must see! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/12/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Absence of Eden

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis The Absence of Eden takes place at the border between the United States and Mexico -- a hellish landscape inhabited by coyotes, armed officers, desperate immigrants, and refugees. When Esmee (Zoe Saldaña), a young woman working as a private dancer in Mexico, is forced to commit a violent act of self-defense that results in the death of a cartel member, she flees her homeland for sanctuary in the United States. Guided by a ruthless Coyote and a group of undocumented immigrants, she befriends a young mother and her daughter along the way. Before crossing the border, the mother is taken from the group, and Esmee promises to protect her daughter and help them reunite again in America, touching off an interlocking story about people struggling to survive on America's border with Mexico.
Director
Marco Perego
Producer
Karl Herrmann, Robert Kravis, Alexandra Milchan, Marco Perego, Zoe Saldana, Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn
Screenwriter
Marco Perego, Rick Rapoza
Distributor
Vertical
Production Co
Ashland Hill Media Finance, Pioneer Pictures, Ingenious Media, Cinestar Pictures
Rating
R (Language|Violent Content|Some Sexual Content)
Genre
Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 12, 2024, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$37.0K
Runtime
1h 25m
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