Eternals

By: Jamie Steinberg

History is what has shaped our world, but what if immortal beings actually had a hand in it? That’s the premise for Chloé Zhao’s latest film Eternals. The lengthy tale follows Sersi, Ikaris, Thena, Ajak, Kingo, Sprite and Phastos, Druig, Gilgamesh and Makkari as they are living their every day lives in modern times only to be forced to reveal their existence when evil beasts re-emerge from slumber. Zhao’s movie is filled with incredible images and wonderful CGI work; however, the length drags making the origin story a bit too tedious.

Sersi (Gemma Chan) is a history professor and loving life with fellow professor/boyfriend Dane (Kit Harington). Their happy lives are sadly disrupted when Deviants (rough drafts of the Eternals that have been experimented on) arise and begin tormenting the people of Earth. Thus, Ikaris (Richard Madden) reunites with Sersi for a mission to locate all the Eternals and help set the world back at ease. Unfortunately, this is where the bulk of the story begins to lag. As they locate each Eternal we also learn their backstory, which takes far too long to get to the real mission at hand – putting the Deviants down. Additionally, with the focus so much on the main Eternals fighting for Earth’s survival meant others such as Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) don’t get much screen time.

There are some bright spots in the film as Kumail Nanjiani offers his signature levity as Kingo and, of course, Angelina Jolie as Thena brings the beauty. Plus, as previously mentioned, Zhao has some incredible CGI work. It’s just hard to invest in these celestial beings because the tale is just too long to explore.

For those looking for someone to pick up the mantle where the Avengers left off, sure, watch Eternals. You get the hero narrative and the action and adventure that you have been craving. Sadly, the movie just takes too long to get viewers invested in their tale as backstories go on too long and secrets are revealed that spin the story on its head.