Eternity

Life can sometimes present us with hard choices. However, according to the latest feature from writer-director David Freyne, death can hand us some even bigger ones. That's the dilemma posed to Joan Cutler (Elizabeth Olsen), who passes away after a long and happy life. But, once in the afterlife, she faces a task that's not at all what she expected, given the unforeseen nature of what eternity turns out to be. It turns out that the deceased get to pick the form of eternity that they wish to experience, one drawn from a virtually infinite range of interests based on personal preferences. But there are a few catches: (1) newly arrived spirits have a week to choose the eternity they wish to experience, and (2) once they make their decision, there's no changing it. However, this process is further complicated for Joan by the fact that two predeceased souls have awaited her arrival, both of whom want to accompany her into whatever form of eternity she selects: her recently deceased husband of 65 years, Larry (Miles Teller), and the first love of her life, her long-departed first husband, Luke (Callum Turner). She loves them both, feelings that Larry and Luke freely reciprocate. But how can Joan make such a difficult choice? Her assigned afterlife coordinator (AC) (John Early) tries to help, as does Larry's AC (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), but there's only so much they can do. The same is true for Larry and Luke, as well as Joan's recently deceased best friend, Karen (Olga Merediz), but the final decision is hers. So what will she decide? "Eternity" presents viewers with an intriguing tale of what to do under circumstances as trying as these. It thus shows that what most of us imagine to be a time of ever-lasting bliss and harmony can carry challenges not unlike the lives we just left, even if potential happiness ultimately awaits us for successfully surviving such tests of character. In that sense, it calls to mind parallels examined in such previous related offerings as "Defending Your Life" (1991) and "What Dreams May Come" (1998). And, in doing so, this delightful supernatural romantic comedy-drama holds viewer interest well with its numerous plot twists, inventive and surprisingly edgy humor, steady narrative pacing, and fine performances from the entire ensemble, especially Randolph and Early in memorable supporting roles. It's also gratifying to watch a romcom that doesn't resort to clichés or get trapped in the kinds of sappy, manipulative tropes so often typical of releases in this genre. Indeed it's refreshing to see a depiction of eternity that certainly doesn't unduly feel like it. Here's hoping the real thing comes across the same way.

From the opening scene, Eternity captured me completely - not just as a rom-com or fantasy, but as a heartfelt meditation on love, loss, memory, and what truly defines "forever." Director David Freyne has crafted something rare: a film that feels both grand in its premise and deeply intimate in its emotional beats.

The setup is beautiful: after death, everyone has a week in a mesmerizing "Junction" to decide where they'll spend eternity. Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) finds herself between two loves - her first husband Luke (Callum Turner), who she barely lived a life with because of war, and Larry (Miles Teller), the man she grew old with and built her life around.

What makes this movie exceptional are its performances. Olsen is luminous, conveying regret, affection, longing and the weight of a life well-lived yet full of unspoken "what ifs." Teller's Larry is warm, grounded, vulnerable; Turner's Luke is wistful, idealized, yet heartbreakingly real. The supporting cast - especially Da'Vine Joy Randolph and John Early as the afterlife coordinators - provide levity without undercutting the emotional stakes.

Visually and tonally, Eternity strikes a sublime balance. The afterlife is painted with whimsical, imaginative touches - it's not bleak, not pretentious, but magical and precise. The production design, the pacing, the color palettes - all serve the story, mirroring the moods of nostalgia, hope, and sorrow. The soundtrack underscores emotion without becoming manipulative.

If there is anything minor to quibble with, it's that in parts the film leans heavily into its joke-beats, which slightly undercuts what could be even more poignant, especially in its final act. But honestly, those moments are few, and they never diminish the movie's overall resonance.

What makes Eternity soar to a 10/10 for me is that it asks a question we all think about: what would you choose, between what was, and what might have been? It doesn't answer it easily. It doesn't try to trick you. It trusts its characters - and its audience - to feel.

If you love stories that linger in your heart, that make you both laugh and cry, that explore love in all its complicated beauty - Eternity is not just worth your time, it's essential.

Elizabeth Olsen delivers one of her strongest post-Marvel performances in Eternity, a film that initially invites skepticism but quickly proves itself far more compelling than expected. After several uneven projects following her tenure as the Scarlet Witch, Olsen steps into a role that allows her to fully showcase her emotional range, grounding a story that is both stylistically bold and thematically rich. What begins as a seemingly straightforward narrative gradually transforms into something far more layered, offering twists that genuinely surprise and a character journey that becomes increasingly absorbing.

The screenplay for Eternity is impressively sharp, weaving misdirection and shifting allegiances in a way that keeps the viewer actively engaged. Its strongest attribute is its structural design: the film cleverly allows the audience to choose which emotional thread they follow, positioning both sides of its central conflict as equally persuasive. This "pick your side" storytelling device adds an interactive quality to the viewing experience, making the moral and emotional stakes feel deeply personal rather than abstract.

Directorially, the film succeeds in balancing a cast of distinct personalities without oversaturating any one dynamic. Every character is given space to breathe, and the interplay among them creates a rhythm that feels natural rather than crowded. The central question-whether one aligns with Larry or Luke-becomes the heart of the narrative, and the film smartly allows the audience to lean into whichever perspective resonates most. It is a rare case where the screenplay trusts viewers to interpret the emotional cues themselves.

Olsen's portrayal of Joan is particularly striking because of how unpredictable the character becomes. The film builds tension around her looming decision, and just when her arc seems to be heading in an obvious direction, the story swerves with a twist that lands effectively. Miles Teller brings a gruff, worn-down authenticity to Larry, playing a man whose temperament hovers between endearing curmudgeon and long-standing cynic. Opposite him, Callum Turner embodies Luke with disarming charm and striking screen presence, perfectly channeling the magnetic confidence the character requires.

The film also raises existential questions that linger long after the credits roll-what does it mean to spend eternity with someone, or in a particular state of being? How do you choose a path when both options offer drastically different futures? These themes are approached with surprising clarity, and the emotional weight of the film consistently feels earned rather than forced. Despite not being flawless, the totality of the experience is powerful enough to leave a lasting impression.

Although Eternity carries the intimacy of a film suited for streaming, there is a distinct benefit to experiencing it on the big screen. The cinematography and staging gain an extra layer of impact when viewed theatrically, enhancing the intensity of its emotional beats and the elegance of its visuals. Whether at home or in a theater, though, the film stands out as one of the most unexpectedly engaging dramas of the year-anchored by a trio of strong performances and a story that refuses to take the predictable route.

Another solid Regal Mystery Movie. The film centers on the idea of the afterlife, and who to spend it with, and where. For all eternity. There's a lot of fun creativity throughout, but the plot treads on too familiar ground.

Positives!

+Main trio does a great job. Miles Teller really captures that old man in a young mans body.

+DaVine Joy Randolph and John Early provide great comedic relief without undercutting the heart.

+Novel view of the afterlife.

+Great set design.

Negatives!

-Romcom tropes are here unfortunately.

-Ending was predictable.

-Missed opportunity to elaborate on the negative memories that were glossed over.

I was surprised that I liked this one so much. There's enough thought provoking scenes to make you analyze your own life. Plenty of humor. Plenty of emotion. Perfect for a date night, or a solo viewing. 7/10.

-GremlinLord615.

-Full Review on Youtube.

It was a good date night movie. It's been a minute since my wife and I have been able to see a decent film that wasn't all action-packed. I didn't know much about it going in, but I've always been a fan of Miles Teller movies.

This one actually reminded me a bit of Albert Brooks' Defending Your Life - which is another great movie, by the way. It had a nice mix of serious undertones and comedy at the same time.

It's definitely not what I personally believe the afterlife to be, but it was an interesting take. The acting was really solid, and even though it's a comedy, I found it surprisingly thought-provoking. It dives into what love and marriage really mean in a way that sticks with you.

Do you need to see it in theaters? Not necessarily. But will you laugh? Absolutely. You might even tear up a little. I found it entertaining, and I'd definitely watch it again.