"Eternals," Marvel's sprawling space opera stands out as a peculiar entry in its cinematic universe. Brimming with cosmic ideations and ancient myths, this film is not entirely the misfire some have suggested, nor does it rise to the echelons of its celebrated predecessors. With a balanced score of 6/10 in our sights, let's sift through the stardust and see where this celestial journey takes us.
From the get-go, "Eternals" operates on a grand scale, introducing us to a band of otherworldly heroes, tasked with protecting humanity. Their very existence, a secret woven into the fabric of history itself, brings a fresh dimension to the Marvel lore. The visual splendor of their exploits is undeniably appealing, a treat for the eyes that echoes the expansive nature of their tale. Above all, it's not just about super-powered beings; it's a meditation on human nature, its evolution, and our place in the cosmos—a narrative gamble that holds a mirror to our own world.
Director Chloé Zhao, who comes fresh from her Oscar-winning triumph with "Nomadland," infuses "Eternals" with a distinct touch. Her skill for capturing intimate moments against vast backdrops translates into the film's more subdued scenes, which resonate with a quiet beauty rare in such blockbusters. Despite the enormity of the ensemble cast, each Eternal carves out moments of depth and vulnerability—though, admittedly, these instances are as fleeting as shooting stars in the crowded sky of its plot.
Enlarge that lens, and we see an array of characters, the Eternals themselves, who come bearing gifts of diversity and complexity. Gemma Chan's Sersi shines with a delicate balance of strength and empathy, while Kumail Nanjiani's Kingo delivers humor without relegating his character to mere comic relief. The chemistry among the cast is a tapestry with some threads more vibrant than others, yet no single thread unwinds the overall picture.
Regrettably, the grandeur and ambition of the narrative do not always pay off. With so many immortal shoes to fill, some characters struggle to step beyond their archetypes. The tempo of the plot occasionally meanders, caught between the urgency of its climax and the desire to lay down roots for each Eternal. When crowded with a ten million-year spread, it is a herculean task to keep the pace lively without losing threads of the deeper story being told.
And then, there are the Deviants. These ancient adversaries, while visually monstrous, don't quite leave the impact one might hope for in a villain. Their clashes with the Eternals serve more as visual spectacles than meaningful conflict, which is a lost opportunity for a film that, at its core, is about confronting one's demons, both literal and existential.
"Eternals" does merit applause for not playing it safe and for embracing the risk of an untested narrative within the MCU. While it doesn't always land on its feet, it reaches for the stars—and occasionally, it touches them. The visual effects are a cosmic ballet, and the film's score by Ramin Djawadi underscores the epic scope and emotional beats with competence.
All told, "Eternals" is a celestial craft that strives for the heavens but is occasionally bogged down by its own ambition. It's not as flawed as some critics might argue, featuring enchanting performances, visual wonder, and a narrative boldness that's worthy of attention. It might not have claimed its place in Valhalla, but it's certainly not languishing in the depths of forgotten lore. Our final verdict is a solid 6/10—something that, like its titular heroes, will stand the test of time in its own unique way. Not bad at all for a shot at eternity.
