Eternals
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 5, 2021
Genre
Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Cast & Crew
- Gemma Chan as Sersi
- Richard Madden as Ikaris
- Angelina Jolie as Thena
- Salma Hayek as Ajak
- Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo
- Kit Harington as Dane Whitman
- Lia McHugh as Sprite
- Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos
- Lauren Ridloff as Makkari
- Barry Keoghan as Druig
- Don Lee as Gilgamesh
Director
Chloé Zhao
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Nomadland (2020)
- The Rider (2017)
- Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015)
Producer
Kevin Feige
Nate Moore
Writer
Chloé Zhao
Patrick Burleigh
Ryan Firpo
Kaz Firpo
Budget
$200 million
Production Company
Marvel Studios
Running Time
157 minutes
Languages
English (Original), with multiple dubbed and subtitled versions available
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense sequences of violence
- Some language
- Brief sexual content
Movie Story
Eternals tells the epic story of a group of immortal beings who have lived on Earth for over 7,000 years, shaping its history and protecting humanity from the monstrous Deviants. The film begins with the Eternals being scattered across the globe, living in secret after defeating the Deviants centuries ago. However, when the Deviants re-emerge, the Eternals must reunite to stop them and uncover the truth behind their existence and their true purpose on Earth.
Sersi (Gemma Chan), a compassionate Eternal who has the ability to manipulate matter, is the film’s central character. She lives quietly in London with her human boyfriend Dane Whitman (Kit Harington), unaware of the impending threat. When the Deviants attack, Sersi, along with the powerful Ikaris (Richard Madden) and the young Sprite (Lia McHugh), embarks on a journey to bring their scattered family back together. As they reunite with other Eternals, including the warrior Thena (Angelina Jolie), the mind-controlling Druig (Barry Keoghan), and the technologically savvy Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), they confront their past decisions and the mysterious Celestials, god-like beings who created them.
Throughout the film, the Eternals grapple with the moral dilemmas of their long lives, the weight of their powers, and their place in the universe. The narrative weaves through time, showing key moments in human history where the Eternals influenced events, all while building towards the revelation of a cosmic threat that could spell the end of the world as they know it.
Chloé Zhao brings her distinct directorial style to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), blending intimate character moments with sweeping vistas and epic battles. The film explores complex themes of love, duty, and the nature of humanity, offering a more contemplative and diverse take on the superhero genre. The Eternals’ internal conflicts, coupled with stunning visual effects, create a story that is both grand in scale and deeply personal.
Special Effects
The special effects in Eternals are visually stunning, particularly in the depiction of the Eternals’ unique powers and the cosmic scale of the Celestials. The film’s visual style is marked by beautiful, expansive landscapes that are a signature of Zhao’s work, seamlessly integrated with CGI to create a believable and immersive world. The design of the Deviants, as well as the Eternals’ abilities, are rendered with meticulous detail, enhancing the film’s epic and otherworldly feel.
Box Office Performance
Eternals grossed over $402 million worldwide, making it one of the more successful films released during the pandemic era. While it received mixed reviews from critics, the film was praised for its ambition, diversity, and the performances of its ensemble cast.
Filming Locations
- London, England
- Oxford, England
- Canary Islands, Spain
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “When you love something, you protect it. It is the most natural thing in the world.” – Sersi
- “I have followed Arishem for thousands of years. I have never doubted him. Until now.” – Ajak
- “This planet and these people have changed me.” – Ikaris
Behind-the-Scenes
Chloé Zhao, known for her work on Nomadland, brought a unique vision to Eternals, insisting on shooting on location whenever possible to capture natural light and realistic settings, a departure from the typical green-screen-heavy approach in superhero films. The film also features the MCU’s first openly gay superhero, Phastos, and its first deaf superhero, Makkari, highlighting Marvel’s commitment to diversity and representation.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2022 Academy Awards
- Nominated for Best Ensemble Cast at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards
Final Verdict
Eternals is a bold and ambitious entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a fresh perspective on the superhero genre. While it may not resonate with all audiences due to its slower pace and introspective tone, it stands out for its stunning visuals, diverse cast, and thought-provoking themes. It’s a film that invites viewers to reflect on the bigger questions of existence, making it a unique addition to the MCU.
IMDb Rating
6.3/10