Acclaimed indie actress Sarah Nicklin takes on one of her most emotionally charged roles in the upcoming religious horror film Garden of Eden (2025), directed by Marcel Walz and produced by Neon Noir. In our interview, Nicklin discusses the depth of her character and the film’s exploration of morality, faith, and the consequences of desire.
Garden of Eden Synopsis:
The Eden family is a devout Christian family that strives to live by the word of God and set an example of what is right and wrong. They have been very successful in business and are rich beyond their needs. To give back, the family hosts garden parties. Each guest who is lucky enough to find a key at the party gets to have their most wished-for dream come true. However, for some, a dream can be a nightmare for others.
The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Robert Rusler (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2), Monique Parent (Cuck), Sarah French (Blind), and Sarah Polednak as the Eden family. Joining them are Gigi Gustin, Sarah Nicklin (Popeye the Slayer Man), Jazz Egger, Adam Bucci (Halt and Catch Fire), and Dazelle Yvette.
Says Nicklin of her role, “This role challenged me in ways I didn’t expect—it allowed me to explore the raw, often unspoken layers of grief, guilt, and moral conflict that come with loss. While there’s a lot of graphic gore in the film, this role wasn’t about that for me; it was about exploring the ugly depths of human nature and what grief, anger, and revenge can drive us to do when we feel truly broken and lost.”
Known for her powerful performances in indie cinema, Nicklin brings a level of emotional nuance that elevates Garden of Eden beyond standard horror fare. The film dives headfirst into themes of religious extremism, hidden trauma, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
Check out our interview below.
Garden of Eden was released digitally by Gravitas Ventures on June 20, 2025, with Blu-ray and DVD to follow.
Feature Image Courtesy of (photographer: Ama Lea)