John Steinbeck’s East of Eden is brought to the screen in this miniseries starring Florence Pugh, Joseph Zada, and Christopher Abbott.
When John Steinbeck published his celebrated novel East of Eden in 1952, he may not have imagined that his reimagining of the biblical story of Cain and Abel would become a landmark of contemporary literature. Decades later, it has been adapted for the screen three times, most recently in a newly released Netflix miniseries starring a captivating Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames. Her relationship with brothers Adam and Charles Trask set in motion a family saga of betrayal and rivalry whose consequences will echo through generations.
Set in California between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the drama unfolds in the Salinas Valley, Steinbeck’s birthplace. More than just a backdrop, the region mirrors the characters’ personalities and intern turmoil. Defined by stark contrasts, Salinas is portrayed as a landscape of two opposing worlds: one fertile and sunlit, the other dry and barren. To recreate this distinctive setting, the series was filmed entirely in New Zealand, whose diverse terrain offered the ideal locations.
Oamaru’s Historic Precinct, Oamaru
Photo by @vanityfairOamaru’s Historic Precinct, on New Zealand’s South Island, provided the perfect setting for recreating early twentieth-century California. Its streets feature in East of Eden when Adam and Cathy first arrive in the region, as well as in later brothel scenes. With its elegant white-stone buildings, remarkably well-preserved streets and unmistakable Victorian charm, the historic district was transformed into the fictional town of Salinas. Modern roads were concealed beneath layers of gravel, while period vehicles and horses helped bring the era to life. Local residents also played their part, appearing as extras and lending a hand behind the scenes.
For visitors exploring the area, a leisurely stroll along Tyne Street and Harbour Street offers a glimpse of the specific areas that became the backdrop for the series.
The Hawkdun Range, Otago
Photo by @vanityfairAccurately recreating the Trask farm was essential to adapting East of Eden, as Adam’s fertile, prosperous ranch in the valley’s lowlands is one of the novel’s most significant settings. The majestic property he purchased in the hope of building a happy home for Cathy and their children was brought to life in the foothills of the Hawkdun Range, in Otago. No special effects were needed to capture the vastness of their unspoiled landscape, where grass grows to waist height and the open countryside seems to stretch endlessly into the distance. With its sweeping vistas, unobstructed views, and accessible terrain, the region provided the perfect setting for Adam’s dreams to take shape, and ultimately unravel.
Auckland, North Island
Photo by @vanityfairThanks to Auckland’s remarkable collection of Victorian wooden houses, one of the largest in the world, recreating the brothels proved relatively straightforward. The production team found a large, dilapidated mansion whose exterior and grand parlour provided the setting for several scenes.
You can watch East of Eden on Netflix!
