REVIEW: “Eternity” (2025)

by

Director David Freyne’s new film, “Eternity,” is a delightfully unusual mix of classic comedy, old-fashioned romance, and playful fantasy. The story, co-written with Pat Cunnane, sounds bizarre when you describe it, but somehow, it really works. “Eternity” is surprisingly heartfelt and imaginative, making it much more enjoyable than you might anticipate.

The film “Eternity” opens with Larry and Joan, an older married couple, driving to a party where their family will reveal the gender of their grandchild. After 65 years together, their relationship is realistically portrayed – Larry is a bit grumpy but kind-hearted, and Joan, though strong-willed, is secretly battling a terminal illness that they haven’t shared with their loved ones.

Larry and his wife are enjoying a good life until tragedy strikes when Larry unexpectedly dies at a party. However, he quickly finds himself alive again, but as a younger version of himself (played by Miles Teller), on a train. After the train arrives, Larry and many others are directed to a place called “the junction,” where they wait to meet with an Afterlife Coordinator. Eventually, he’s introduced to his coordinator, Anna (played by Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph), after a long wait.

Anna quickly explains the strange situation to a bewildered Larry (and to us). It turns out Larry is in a sort of waiting area for the dead. Here, people have seven days to pick where they’ll spend eternity from a wide range of themed worlds. There’s a world for everyone – from beaches and vampires to libraries and even a 1960s Paris. Once you choose a world, you’re stuck there forever. If you try to leave, you’ll be banished to a terrifying place called The Void.

Larry learns that people appear as they did during their happiest moments after they die, which explains why he’s shocked to see a younger Joan (played by Elizabeth Olsen) step off the train, just as disoriented as he was. Their heartwarming reunion is quickly interrupted by the arrival of Luke (Callum Turner), Joan’s beloved first husband who died in the Korean War. Luke reveals he’s been waiting for Joan for 67 years, working as a bartender at the station to be near her when she arrived.

Joan faces a heartbreaking decision in “Eternity”: choose the man she shared a life with, or the one she lost too soon? This central conflict drives the story. Director Freyne generally keeps the tone charming and heartwarming, with some funny moments, especially in the first half. However, a subtle sadness runs throughout, adding weight to the familiar love triangle. The strong performances from Dakota Olsen, Miles Teller, and Nicholas Turner really bring the story to life.

The world-building in “Eternity” draws inspiration from various beliefs about faith and the end times, resulting in a unique and captivating fantasy environment. The plot isn’t perfect and has some flaws if you analyze it closely. However, if you simply allow yourself to be swept away by the film, it’s hard not to be charmed by its honesty, humor, and fresh approach. I, for one, was completely captivated.

Read More

2025-12-02 18:57