‘Eden’ Review – A Timeless Meditation on the Passage of Time

In Mia Hansen-Løve’s films, the camera is always moving — seamlessly flowing from scene to scene in fluid long takes as if it’s mirroring the rhythm of life. Granted, all her films have always been about how her characters deal with the sudden changes that are happening in their lives. In Things to Come, it’s divorce; in One Fine Morning, it’s death; in Goodbye First Love, it’s heartbreak. It’s no exception, then, that in her fourth feature Eden, her protagonist also faces a major life change against the current of time, albeit caused by a professional reason this time.

Drawing from her brother’s, Sven Hansen-Løve, personal experience, the French auteur has created a poignant exploration of the passage of time and the often isolating consequences of pursuing one’s passion with Eden. The film is set against the backdrop of the evolving EDM scene and takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the life of its protagonist, Paul (Fèlix de Grivy), as he navigates the highs and lows of being a DJ for over two decades.  With Hansen-Løve’s evocative and subtle storytelling, the film serves as a reminder that while we strive for perfection, the relentless march of time waits for no one.

The film begins in the early 1990s, a time when the French electronic music scene was in its nascent stages. Paul and his friends embark on a passionate quest to create the perfect party and DJ sets. Their idealism is palpable, and the energy of youth propels them forward as they chase their dreams. The pulsating beats, hypnotic melodies, and the communal experience of dancing all night create a sense of euphoria that is unmatched, and all the characters in Eden are so consumed by this euphoria that it becomes their driving force. They are so obsessed with achieving the perfect party to the point where it blinds the characters to the world changing around them.

As the film progresses, we witness the relentless passage of time. The once-thriving electronic music scene evolves, and new sub-genres emerge. The venues that were once packed with fervent dancers slowly lose their appeal, and Paul finds himself facing the harsh reality of change. But instead of trying to adapt, Paul myopically believes that his idealism will be enough for him to survive those changes, which ultimately cost him nearly all his youth. Friends change careers and exes move on and start a family, while he’s stuck in the same place as when he started DJing.

Hansen-Løve masterfully uses cinematography and music to capture the passage of time. Long takes and seamless transitions between scenes create a sense of continuous motion, mirroring the constant evolution of the music and the characters’ lives. Her decision to make Paul look the same from start to finish while the other characters have different hairstyles and appearances emphasizes this notion even more. “It’s funny that you haven’t changed,” utters his ex-girlfriend when they meet in New York. The soundtrack, featuring iconic EDM tracks from different eras, serves as a musical timeline, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of the genre.

As the years roll by, we see the toll that Paul’s unwavering pursuit of his passion exacts on his life. Financial struggles, strained relationships, and a growing sense of disillusionment become his companions. Paul, enamored with his music, transforms into a spectator of his own life. Opportunities slip away one by one and he ultimately becomes disconnected from the world outside his DJ booth, leaving him estranged from family, friends, and eventually his own life.

In the latter part of the film, we see Paul reflecting on his journey. The once-thriving EDM scene has evolved into something unrecognizable, and Paul finds himself playing smaller gigs to diminishing crowds. It is during these moments of introspection that he realizes the cost of his myopia. Nostalgia permeates Eden as Paul and the audience look back on the past which now leaves only bitter memories.

Paul’s journey echoes the experiences of many who become so engrossed in their dreams that they lose sight of the world and people around them. The film portrays the loneliness that can stem from pursuing a singular passion at the expense of all else. As we follow Paul’s journey toward the end, we are reminded that while we strive for greatness, time marches on, and the world around us evolves.