Eternals introduces a group of ancient, powerful beings who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, guiding humanity and protecting it from the dangerous Deviants. The Eternals were created by the Celestials, a race of god-like entities, and each Eternal possesses unique abilities. The film follows the team’s return to Earth when the Deviants resurface, threatening the safety of the planet.
The Eternals are led by Ajak (Salma Hayek) and include characters like Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), and Druig (Barry Keoghan), among others. The team must reunite after years of separation to confront the new threat. However, as the Eternals uncover more about the true purpose of their mission, they begin to question the morality of their existence and whether their actions over the centuries were truly in the best interest of humanity.
As the conflict intensifies, personal and philosophical divides emerge among the team, leading to a battle not just with the Deviants but with themselves. The stakes are high, and the fate of Earth may rest in the hands of a team that has always remained in the shadows, with each member carrying the weight of secrets and unresolved histories.
Eternals is an ambitious entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking a bold step by introducing a group of god-like beings with a deep history and significant powers. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film has a distinctive, art-house sensibility that sets it apart from other Marvel films. Zhao’s eye for cinematography shines, with sweeping landscapes and beautifully framed shots, creating a unique atmosphere for the Eternals’ cosmic journey.
The performances are strong, with Gemma Chan’s portrayal of Sersi and Richard Madden’s Ikaris standing out. However, the large ensemble cast presents a challenge in terms of character development, and not all the Eternals get the screen time or depth they deserve, leaving some characters feeling underutilized. Despite this, the film excels at exploring deeper themes like purpose, morality, and the consequences of immortality.
While the film’s slower pace and philosophical tone may alienate some viewers, Eternals provides a refreshing shift from the usual superhero blockbuster formula. The action scenes are solid, though not the film’s primary focus, as the real drama unfolds in emotional and intellectual conflicts. Though it doesn’t quite live up to the high expectations set by its scope, Eternals is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that pushes the MCU in a new direction. 7/10.
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