‘East of Eden’ Review: Florence Pugh Astounds as Steinbeck’s Wickedest Villain in Vast Netflix Retelling

"East of Eden," the Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, is a vast seven-hour retelling that deviates significantly from Elia Kazan's 1955 film. The series maintains a humanistic approach to its characters, eschewing the melodrama that characterized Elia's interpretation. Florence Pugh delivers a standout performance as Cathy/Kate, the wickedest villain in American literature.

Pugh's portrayal captures every deceitful, manipulative, and murderous impulse that Steinbeck conceived, while also showcasing Cathy's fierce determination to maintain her agency. The actress's commitment to her character's complex emotions and motives is unwavering, making viewers sympathize with her even when she pretends to be sweet or pliant.

Pugh's performance is further enhanced by Kirsty Cameron's stunning costumes, which add to the show's graphic and kinkier depiction of the characters' relationships. While the show occasionally struggles to balance the intense female-centered narrative with male-centric scenes, Pugh's captivating performance is a highlight that keeps viewers engaged for about half of the runtime.