The Eternals: The Team That Time (Almost) Forgot
Long ago, in an unknown dimension, Marvel Studios decided to make a film about characters most of us have never even heard of. Behold, the Eternals — an elite team of ancient, all-powerful immortals who hail from the godly world of Olympia, now on a mission to make the planet Earth a better place… or so we thought.
Thousands of years ago, a group of superior beings were sent to Earth to defeat the Deviants, an army of apex predators. After seemingly defeating all the Deviants and going their separate ways, the Eternals remained, awaiting further instructions from their god, the Prime Celestial Arishem the Judge. From energy creation to super-sonic speed, the Eternals’ powers greatly resemble those of DCU’s Justice League. Those similarities aside, each member of the group has a personality that makes them easily distinguishable, which is what allows the film to shine even when compared to others in the franchise. Contrary to what you may have read in other blogs concerning the film's chaotic writing, I argue that The Eternals artistically serves its central purpose in expanding the universe and laying the groundwork for upcoming Phase 4 films.
This newest addition to the MCU primarily centers around Sersi (Gemma Chan), one of the Eternals who’s gifted with the power to manipulate atoms and subsequently transform substances from one thing to another (e.g. from a rock into air). Joining her in receiving a significant amount of attention and character development is Thena (Angelina Jolie), one of the group’s strongest fighters and hailed as the Goddess of War. Alongside these powerhouses are their teammates Ikarus (Richard Madden), Makkari (Lauren Riddloff), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Phastos (Bryan Tyree Henry), and Ajak (Salma Hayek) who serves as the group’s leader.
If you are wondering why this group with god-like powers were completely absent during the previous apocalyptic conflicts, the answer presents itself in a simple, deus ex machina form: they were not allowed to interfere in human conflicts unless Deviants were involved. As the film enters the initiating action, we are introduced to Dane (Kit Harrington), Sersi’s “human” boyfriend who’s becoming suspicious of her recurring good luck and believes her to be a wizard. Soon after he expresses his theory, the pair, along with Sprite, are attacked by a Deviant.
The attack leads to an awkward reunion between Sersi and her ex-husband, Ikarus, and eventually, the group as a whole. Following the death of their wisest members and a “world-shaking” discovery, the Eternals must decide whether they will break their vows to save humanity or leave us to our own devices. The film had nonstop action, ending in a seemingly-random scene that left everyone wondering, “What even was that?”
Of course, any self-proclaimed movie-goer who hasn’t been living under a rock knows better than to leave the theater just because the credits start to roll— especially during a Marvel movie. Like usual, fans were blessed with two end-credit scenes teasing us about the franchise’s future direction.
An avid Marvel fan myself, it pains me to echo the opinions of many other viewers: the movie isn’t good, but the characters are amazing. Without a doubt, this film’s greatest strength is it’s hecka diverse, star-studded cast, including legends Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek as well as several television geniuses and acclaimed comedians.
Due in no small part to its obligation to introduce more than ten new, iconic characters and set the stage for multiple upcoming Marvel movies, the film’s plot was a bit convoluted despite the hours spent developing it. Between the Deviants, the Celestials, and certain friends-turned-villains, it was hard to focus on a single conflict or villain. With all that said, I would be remiss in my duties as a reviewer if I neglected the significance of this film. We saw characters from racial groups that span across the continents (including our first South Asian superhero), the franchise’s first openly gay couple, and our first Deaf superhero. For the first time, many children around the world get to see themselves represented on the big screen in a positive, non-stereotypical way.
Further, everyone who watches this film is specifically entranced by Jolie’s spectacular performance as Thena. Her prowess in portraying the emotional subtlety of an emotionally numb character like Thena while also allowing to “feel” her struggle with mental illness, although it was expected of her, was still nothing short of brilliant. Regardless of what critics say (the majority of whom are cisgender white men), this movie was, in its own way, a true masterpiece. The sarcastic humor, witty historical references, character bonds, and one depressing pie-related scene makes this one a story to remember.
Overall, I anticipate that the remainder of Phase 4 films will be an intriguing journey with each movie carrying a different tone than all previous Marvel films and our new heroes possessing abilities and backstories that span beyond our collective imagination. I advise all viewers to enter this cinematic experience with an open mind; you never know what possibilities and theories you might discover. In my opinion, this story is best consumed on a big screen. But, as always, the safest way for you to see it is always going to bring the greatest enjoyment.
This movie, despite the eternal ragings of critics who are set in their ways, was another Marvel success. I can’t wait to watch the sequel!
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