Marvel Studios has always been known for its ambitious and expansive cinematic universe, but with Eternals, they have taken it to a whole new level. Eternals is a film that spans thousands of years, multiple locations, and a diverse cast of characters, each with their own powers and personalities. It is also a film that tries to explore some big themes, such as the meaning of life, the nature of free will, and the responsibility of being a god. However, does Eternals succeed in balancing its epic scope with its intimate moments? Or does it collapse under its own weight?
Eternals follows the story of a group of immortal beings who were sent to Earth by the Celestials, cosmic entities who created the universe. Their mission was to protect humanity from the Deviants, monstrous creatures who prey on life forms. However, after the events of Avengers: Endgame, a tragedy forces them to reunite and face a new threat that could end their existence and the world as they know it.
The film is directed by Chloé Zhao, who won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Director for Nomadland, a film that was praised for its realism and naturalism. Zhao brings some of her signature style to Eternals, creating some stunning visuals and atmospheric scenes that capture the beauty of nature and the diversity of cultures. She also manages to elicit some great performances from her cast, who have a natural chemistry and charisma that make them likable and relatable.
However, Zhao also faces some challenges in adapting the Marvel formula to her vision. Eternals is a film that has to introduce 10 main characters, each with their own backstory, motivation, and arc. It also has to explain a complex mythology that involves Celestials, Deviants, Eternals, and humans. The film tries to do this by jumping back and forth between different time periods and locations, but this results in a disjointed and confusing narrative that often feels rushed and unsatisfying. The film also struggles to balance its tone, shifting from serious drama to humorous banter to action spectacle. The humor sometimes feels forced and out of place, while the action scenes are often generic and lackluster.
Eternals is not a bad film, but it is not a great one either. It is a film that has some brilliant moments and ideas, but also some flaws and shortcomings. It is a film that tries to do too much, but also not enough. It is a film that is different from other Marvel films, but also similar in many ways. It is a film that will divide fans and critics alike, but also spark some interesting discussions and debates.
If you are curious about Eternals and want to see it for yourself, you can watch the trailer here: Eternals (2021) – IMDb. The film is rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, brief sexuality, and some language. It has a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes. It is currently playing in theaters only.
