Exploring the Afterlife
In the whimsically titled 'Eternity', directed by David Freyne, we meet Joan, portrayed by the talented Elizabeth Olsen, who finds herself navigating the bewildering landscape of the afterlife. The film, whose premise dances dangerously between the comedic and the profound, poses intriguing questions about love and choice after death, albeit with a script that sometimes falters.
The Set-Up
Joan is a recently departed soul struggling with a surprisingly pedestrian dilemma: decide between two suitors—Larry, her husband, played by the ever-charming Miles Teller, and Luke, her first love who has been patiently waiting for her return for over half a century.
“Choosing neither does not appear to be a viable option.”
As the movie unfolds, viewers are drawn into Joan's internal conflict, which lacks the depth we expect from a tale exploring love beyond the grave. Instead, we are invited to witness a drawn-out process of indecision between her two partners, neither of whom seem particularly compelling.
Character Dynamics
The chemistry—or lack thereof—between Joan and her potential partners is a noticeable weakness in the film. While Teller brings a laid-back charisma to Larry, his character's nature remains frustratingly one-dimensional. Meanwhile, Luke, played by Callum Turner, is portrayed more as an archetype of a dashing hero than as a fully fleshed-out character.
- Olsen's Performance: Elizabeth Olsen excels at portraying the confused soul, yet struggles to connect with either of her partners on a meaningful level.
- Turner's Dapper Charm: Callum Turner is certainly dashing, although his character's hunky persona feels more like a casting choice than a well-crafted narrative detail.
A Comedy of Errors
The film is peppered with moments of humor, largely thanks to the standout performances of Da'Vine Joy Randolph and John Early, who serve as the quirky guides through this afterlife. Their interplay injects much-needed levity, offering poignant commentary amid the quintessential rom-com tropes.
“These scenes are slow and sweet and a welcome break from the arguments and punchlines that surround them.”
It's in these comedic moments that 'Eternity' shines the brightest, showcasing the film's potential but leaving one to wonder what could have been had it delved deeper into its themes.
When Choices Become Trivial
In a world that promises endless possibilities, Joan's choices seem almost trivial. The script skims over adult issues of grief, loneliness, and regret, settling instead into mundane romantic conflicts. 'Eternity' raises questions about love and fidelity but then opts for predictable rom-com resolutions, ultimately delivering a narrative that feels more like a chore than a revelation.
Aesthetic Choices
Visually, 'Eternity' boasts a vibrant palette that juxtaposes the absurdity of its premise with a whimsical take on the afterlife. The production design is engaging, although it sometimes distracts from the emotional essence of the plot. The film would have benefited from a thoughtful approach to its thematic content, rather than leaning exclusively on visual flair.
Final Thoughts
While 'Eternity' flirts with intriguing concepts, it ultimately reveals itself as a flimsy love triangle poorly executed. It's a playful premise dashed by a lack of substance, making it forgettable in a landscape rich with opportunities for genuine exploration of human emotion and connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Eternity' demonstrates the potential to explore profound questions of love and existence but stalls due to weak character dynamics and predictable outcomes. Still, it offers a light-hearted escape and a few laughs—sometimes, that's exactly what we need, even in an afterlife full of choices.
'Eternity' is rated PG-13 for its humorous yet tender exploration of love, running time is approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes. It's in theaters now.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/movies/eternity-review.html
