The Absence Of Eden (2023) || Movie Review

I wanted to watch the latest Avatar sequel because of Zoe Saldaña from a streaming site only to see a movie she starred in that I'd missed. I've alway loved her movies—she’s a unique actress who gives her best to every role and they end up fitting her like a glove. The movies she's well known for are sci-fi and fantasy blockbusters but The Absence Of Eden (2023) is different which piqued my interest.

It's a 2023 thriller directed and co-written by Marco Perego with Rick Rapoza and focused on the global hot topic - the plight of migrants. It stars Zoe Saldaña, Garrett Hedlund, Adria Arjona, and other supporting actors. The story is split into two. The first part is about an ICE agent, Shipp (Garrett Hedlund), who isn't on good terms with his father. He's compassionate while his partner, Dobbins (Chris Coy), is cynical and less concerned about the immigrants.

As Shipp settles into his job in this border town, he meets and falls in love with Yadira (Adria Arjona), a Mexican single mother. Dobbins doesn't like Yadira and tells Shipp about his doubt. It turns out Yadira is undocumented, contrary to what she made Shipp believe and her brothers are human smugglers. This places Shipp in a conflicted position.

The second part of the story focuses on Esmeralda (Zoe Saldaña), an exotic dancer who flees her hometown after killing a client who was a cartel member. While crossing the desert, she becomes the guardian of a girl who is separated from her mother. For her and the girl's safety, Esmeralda agrees to work with the smugglers.

While trying to save Yadira, Shipp investigates the smuggling and crosses path with Esmeralda. She and the girl needs saving too. Who will save them? Can Shipp prove his fiancée’s innocence and save her?

My Review And Rating

Despite the ongoing immigration crisis not only in the US but across other parts of the world, many people don't really understand the suffering involved until they see it portrayed in a movie like this. I understand this movie is Marco Perego’s (who is also Zoe Saldaña’’s husband) debut feature and I have nothing but praise for it.

The plot is not very original but the storytelling tugs at the heartstrings. The two parts of the movie play out in a back and forth manner with the drug cartel being at the centre of it. It's even-paced and Perego doesn't hide the reality of migrants trying to cross the border into hopefully a better life from viewers. His focus is staunch, pulling us into unsettling circumstances people like us go through in a bid to survive.

I like that this movie doesn't shy away from portraying characters at their breaking point. The emotions are raw and well played by the cast, especially Zoe Saldaña and Adria Arjona.
The scene where Esmeralda is crossing the desert and while being separated from the girl, she screams, tears flowing without making a sound. Also, another scene where Yadira's identity is revealed and she pleads in tears with Shipp to understand her predicament. These scenes are emotional and heartbreaking.

Other actors did great. Arjona and Hedlund embody their roles as a couple convincingly. Their relationship gives the heartwrenching film a spark. Chris Coy as Dobbins is cynical and annoying and he plays the character well.

Another part I like very much is the cool cinematography. Perego is an artist who put his talent to work in this movie. His visual style is strong, beautiful and eye-catching. He lets the emotions come through naturally instead of forcing them on viewers. I especially liked the scenes filmed at dusk. They are visually appealing.

Rating this movie, I'd give it 7 stars out of 10 simply because it sheds light on the ongoing immigration crisis, telling the story of the people involved in it through the lens of cinema. Zoe Saldaña as always impressed me with her performance.