East of Eden: Seeing beyond the screen
Netflix's adaptation of East of Eden caught my attention because I enjoy stories that make you think past the character and view them as people just like you and me, especially when they show why they make the choices they do. Going into the show, I didn't know it was based on a famous John Steinbeck novel; honestly, I'm more of a watcher than a reader. Surprisingly, what I got was a juicy family drama full of complicated relationships, questionable decisions, and enough emotional baggage to put you in the grave.
One episode that had me glued was the relationship between Adam and Charles Trask. Both brothers desperately want approval from their father, but they respond very differently when they don't get it. Adam tries to move forward, while Charles becomes increasingly bitter and jealous. Watching the conflict between them reminded me of the brothers from the Bible, Cain and Abel, and let's just say you gotta look into that on your own time. Back to the blog. I think most people have experienced some type of comparison in their lives, especially growing up with siblings, so you know how not receiving recognition for being you feels. Maybe not to this extreme, but most people know what it feels like to wonder why someone else seems to get the attention, praise, or opportunities that they don't.
What I loved about East of Eden was how it handles the idea of both good and evil. Many movies and TV shows make it easy to identify the hero and the villain. This show doesn't really do that. Characters constantly make decisions that are both understandable and frustrating at the same time, just like real people. Cathy is probably the best example of this. Trust me, there were moments when her actions were extremely infuriating, but the show also spends enough time developing her character that you can understand where some of those decisions come from. So if you have an open mind, you're able to step into her shoes and know that it was the right decision for her.
That reminded me of something I notice all the time online. Social media has made it really easy to put people into categories. Someone makes a mistake, and suddenly they're either the worst person ever or completely innocent depending on who' s saying what. Words can either make or break you. Real life usually isn't that simple. People are complicated, and East of Eden does a good job showing that.
Another thing that stood out to me was the pressure family members put on each other. Throughout the series, several characters struggle with living up to expectations. As a college student, I found that part relatable. Most students are trying to figure out their future while balancing school, work, family, and about a million other responsibilities. Sometimes it can feel like everyone has a different idea of what you should be doing with your life. However, it doesn't mean they get a vote in how you live it; that's the strongest part of the show. Even though the story takes place a long time ago, many of the characters deal with issues that still exist today. Family pressure, identity, jealousy, ambition, and forgiveness are things people continue to struggle with regardless of the time period.
The acting is one of the biggest strengths in the show. Florence Pugh's performance makes Cathy both fascinating and unpredictable. Even when she's making terrible decisions, she's still one of the most interesting characters to watch. The rest of the cast does a great job as well, especially in scenes where relationships start breaking down and emotions are through the roof.
If I had one criticism, it would probably be the pacing. The show moves much slower than a lot of other current shows. Personally, I didn't mind it, but I could see why some viewers might lose patience. If you're expecting constant action, explosions, or dramatic cliffhangers every five minutes, you're gonna have to practice your patience. I also noticed that a lot of the conversation surrounding the show online focuses on Florence Pugh's portrayal of Cathy. People seem really interested in comparing it with Steinbeck's original novel. Which, how could it not? That's one reason the show has generated so much discussion. Everyone seems to have a different opinion about the characters.
Overall, I highly recommend East of Eden to people who enjoy character driven stories. What surprised me most was how modern it felt despite being set in the past. The technology, clothing, and setting may be different, but the conflicts feel very timeless.
The biggest takeaway I had from the show is that people are rarely as simple as we want them to be. Everyone has motivations, experiences, and struggles that influence their choices. East of Eden doesn't ask us to excuse bad behavior, but it does encourage us to think about what's beyond the screen I'm not seeing and why people act the way they do. In a world where we're constantly making quick judgments about others, I think that's a pretty valuable trait to have and develop.
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