Name: Eternals
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Released: 2021-11-03T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek Pinault, Kumail Nanjiani

The opening shot of Eternals (2021), directed by Chloé Zhao, is a sweeping aerial view of Earth’s landscapes, a visual poem that sets the tone for this sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe entry. It’s a bold departure from the usual urban playgrounds of superhero films, grounding its cosmic narrative in the quiet beauty of our planet.

Zhao, known for her intimate character dramas like The Rider and Nomadland, brings a distinct visual sensibility to the MCU. The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with meticulous compositions that highlight both the grandeur of the Eternals’ abilities and the fragility of humanity. The action sequences, though plentiful, are not the film’s strongest suit. They lack the visceral impact of Zhao’s more grounded work, feeling somewhat generic in their execution.

The cast is a global ensemble, with standout performances from Gemma Chan as Sersi and Angelina Jolie as Thena. Chan brings warmth and vulnerability to her role, making Sersi a compelling emotional anchor. Jolie, meanwhile, delivers a powerful portrayal of Thena’s struggle with her memories and identity. The dynamic between the two is one of the film’s highlights.

However, the film stumbles in its pacing and narrative focus. At nearly three hours, Eternals feels overstuffed, juggling too many characters and subplots without giving any of them sufficient depth. The Deviants, the film’s primary antagonists, are underdeveloped, lacking the charisma or menace needed to drive the conflict.

Ramin Djawadi’s score is a standout element, blending orchestral grandeur with subtle electronic textures. It elevates the film’s more contemplative moments, providing an emotional backbone that the narrative sometimes lacks.

Eternals is an ambitious but flawed addition to the MCU. Zhao’s directorial vision brings a fresh perspective, but the film’s structural issues and underdeveloped villains hold it back from greatness.