SLIFF 2010 Review: EDEN, IOWA

Where is Eden, Iowa? The simple answer would be to visit zip code 52349, but the more interesting answer is more complicated. EDEN IOWA is not just a complex story about he lengths we’ll go out of desperation. It’s also a familiar story that revisits themes from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” spliced with a few biblical undertones that enhance the mystery of this thriller.

EDEN IOWA is the third feature film directed by Saint Louis filmmaker Derek Elz. Stylistic, enigmatic and strange are the words that come to mind when describing a film that would make any David Lynch fan proud. Elz’s vision is rich with an atmospheric soundtrack and visually engaging cinematography.

Written by Patrick Pinkston, EDEN IOWA has geneticist Ed Dittmer (Rob Gold) struggling to find a cure for his wife’s (Leah Berry) rare cancer when he meets Joe, played by Todd Gillenardo, a mysterious loner who works at the bowling alley. Joe appears to be an average working man until he reveals to Ed an incredible secret that could change everything.

Ed chooses to travel head first down the rabbit hole, following his own misguided obsession to save his wife. EDEN IOWA plays a bit over the top at times, but this works because Joe is an extremely odd character with unnerving qualities. EDEN IOWA weaves a peculiar web of modernized fables with an old testament ending.

EDEN, IOWA will play during the 19th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival on Friday, November 19th at 9:30 pm in the Winifred Moore Auditorium on the Webster University campus.