A24

Directed by: David Freyne
Written by: David Freyne and Pat Cunnane
Run Time: 1 hour 54 mins

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After being confined to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the best part of five years – her celebrated role as the Scarlett Witch saw her star in multiple Avengers movies, a Dr. Strange adventure and her very own miniseries – it’s great to see Elizabeth Olsen playing different characters again. She’s since dabbled in drama in His Three Daughters (2023), ventured into sci-fi with The Assessment (2024) and now in her latest film, David Freyne’s Eternity, she’s taking on the fantasy romance.

Set in an afterlife where people can choose where they go when they die, the recently deceased Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) must decide who she wants to spend her eternity with. Her choice is between Larry (Miles Teller), her husband that she spent the majority of her life with and passed away only shortly before her, or Luke (Callum Turner), her first husband who died 67 years ago in the Korean War and has waited for her ever since.

Even before this delicate love triangle takes shape, Eternity boasts such an intriguing high concept premise that proves immediately engaging. The idea of being able to choose your own eternity is great fun and of course will encourage viewers to ponder about what they might opt for themselves. With only one week to decide, newcomers to the afterlife are bombarded with brochures and sales pitches for the various different eternities available. Will it be the sandy shores of Beach World? Or perhaps the non-stop party in Studio 54 World? Unfortunately it won’t be Man Free World as, unsurprisingly, it’s at capacity. But with endless other possibilities this backdrop becomes a thoroughly lively and especially imaginative setting for the subsequent rom-com to unfold in.

It wastes no time getting underway either, setting a steady pace for its otherworldly antics. As Larry arrives unceremoniously so, he’s eventually introduced to his Afterlife Coordinator, Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) who also finds herself responsible for much of the film’s comedy. Her frenemy relationship with fellow employee Ryan (John Early), later assigned as Joan’s Coordinator, provides plenty of amusement. Refreshingly though, Eternity doesn’t solely rely on their dynamic for all of its comic relief, instead infusing comedy throughout its screenplay and allowing the entire cast to exercise their funny bones, and to much effect.

The central trio are all super, creating a comedic chemistry that is consistent rather than sporadic. Luke and Larry’s competitive and often childish romantic rivalry is a highlight, but the way this humour – despite maybe using homosexuality as a punchline one too many times – features so naturally throughout is the crucial factor in allowing audiences to relax, repeatedly reminding them that they’re in safe hands.

As Luke, the war hero who waited Callum Turner exemplifies the romanticised idea of the “perfect” man, whereas Miles Teller is far more relatable as Larry, an amiable everyman. They’re both desirable in their own way, making Joan’s choice all the more difficult. Both actors’ dramatic work is as enjoyable as their comedic efforts, and Elizabeth Olsen completes the love triangle with a charming disbelief at her impossible predicament. Genuinely torn between them, Olsen affords Joan a likability that isn’t always a given with protagonists who find themselves the object of multiple suitors’ desire. Together, the trio are great company, perhaps not for an eternity, but for a couple of hours on the big screen, they more than suffice.

It’s unfortunate then, that even considering the strength of this cast, Eternity does start to overstay its welcome. Its swift pace sees it arrive at an end point in efficient fashion, but one that it promptly proceeds past, adding another act that doesn’t quite feel necessary. Initially causing disruption, its worth reveals itself once the narrative starts to explore the relationship between love and happiness, and specifically, the subtle distinction between the two. Coupled with its earlier use of nostalgia and personal experience – the characters are able to visit archives in which they can rewatch key moments from their lives – it manages to become quite moving, feeling like a slightly more realised version of fellow fantasy romance A Big Bold Beautiful Journey from earlier this year, even if its conclusion might be too simple for some.

Nevertheless, while the essence of its message isn’t as inventive as its ingenious central concept, Eternity – with its poignant premise, healthy humour, and genuine heart – makes a lasting impact that’s sure to endure. For just how long? Well, heaven only knows.

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Star Rating: ★ ★ ★

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