ETERNALS Review: Chloe Zhao's Earnest Superhero Odyssey Is The Most Ambitious MCU Movie Yet

ETERNALS Review: Chloe Zhao's Earnest Superhero Odyssey Is The Most Ambitious MCU Movie Yet

Chloe Zhao's Eternals is set to hit theaters this weekend, and it's officially the most negatively reviewed Marvel Studios movie so far. Are the criticisms valid? Find our verdict right here...

Review Opinion
By MarkCassidy - Nov 03, 2021 02:11 PM EST
Filed Under: Eternals

What makes us human? Do we all have a purpose? Are we doomed to follow a path that will ultimately lead to our destruction, or are we capable of forging our own destinies?

These are not the sort of existential questions you'd usually expect to see posed in a Marvel Studios release, but Eternals is not your average superhero movie. In fact, if Chloe Zhao's intriguing, audacious film is guilty of anything, it's attempting to explore a few too many lofty ideas at once.

We begin with an opening crawl (another MCU first) explaining that the cosmic heroes of the title were created by god-like beings known as the Celestials before being sent out into the universe to protect various sentient races from the Deviants. We then see the ten Eternals assigned to Earth demonstrate their respective abilities while taking down one of these monstrous creatures, hastening human evolution and carving their names into legend in the process.

When we catch up with these immortal beings 7,000 years later, most of them have grown weary and disheartened, and since they are not allowed to interfere in human conflicts that don't involve the Deviants (convenient, perhaps, but it will make more sense later), many have chosen to live relatively normal lives. Sersi (Gemma Chan) has embarked on a relationship with Dane Whitman (Kit Harington), still doing what she can to help as a teacher in London with Sprite (Lia McHugh) for company. When the re-emergence of a powerful Deviant brings Sersi's ex lover Ikaris (Richard Madden) back into their lives, they decide to get the team back together in an attempt to figure out what's going on.

Eternals assemble... right? Not exactly. You may think you have a pretty good idea of where the story is heading from here, but Zhao is not interested in spinning the standard superhero yarn. Some of the usual boxes are ticked (this is still a Marvel Studios movie at the end of the day), but Eternals is more concerned with character than spectacle, and takes a surprisingly thoughtful approach to the material.

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Introducing ten new heroes while establishing their different powers and personalties is no easy task, so it's a testament to Zhao and her writing team that pretty much everyone is given their moment to shine. Some obviously have more screen-time than others, but they all feel like fleshed out, fully-formed characters with their own individual arcs. Sersi and Ikaris remain the focus throughout, and while Chan and Madden do an admirable job with slightly bland roles (on the surface, at least), Kumail Nanjiani (Kingo), Brian Tyree Henry (Phastos) and Harish Patel as the former's valet pretty much run away with the movie, bringing warmth and humor to what is undeniably one of the franchise's more serious instalments. Thena (Angelina Jolie), Ajak (Salma Hayek), Druig (Barry Keoghan) and Gilgamesh (Don Lee) also fulfil important roles, and if Sprite and Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) get lost in the shuffle somewhat, they still leave an impression.

Eternals may be more character-driven than previous MCU entries, but that doesn't mean the action is lacking. There are some exciting, brilliantly crafted set pieces, but these sequences are informed by the drama and never feel like they've been added just for the sake of it - even with all the CGI monster-punching going on.

In some respects, one does get the feeling that Zhao was forced to compromise in order to stay within the confines of the established MCU, but the filmmaker's signature style is still plain to see, and Eternals is a gorgeous looking film. Cinematographer Ben Davis deserves just as much credit, and the breathtaking visuals are complemented by Ramin Djawadi's powerful score.

As the story progresses, the movie does get bogged down while attempting to juggle a few too many plot points, and some interesting ideas are introduced without being satisfactorily explored (the true nature of the Deviants as represented by the evolution of their leader Kro, for example). This means that, even with a runtime of over two and half hours, certain aspects can feel a little rushed, and the ending is bound to frustrate.

Everything comes together for a tense, emotional final battle, but the closing scenes seem a bit thrown together and unnecessary. Epilogues are important, but there are ways to set up a sequel while still delivering a proper conclusion, and the point at which Zhao chooses to end this film is, frankly, baffling.

Eternals can be heavy-handed and its ambitions arguably exceed its grasp, but at least it's reaching. Chloe Zhao has delivered a convoluted, but refreshingly earnest and philosophical superhero odyssey which might well be destined to be embraced as something of a flawed masterpiece.

File:4 stars.svg - Wikipedia
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TheWalkingCuban
TheWalkingCuban - 11/3/2021, 2:42 PM
4 stars? That means really good with a little bad in my book. We shall see!
GhostDog
GhostDog - 11/3/2021, 2:44 PM
This review was a great read. Excellent job Ror!

Idk if this is a masterpiece but Ror’s use of the word “flawed” makes me realize that there are flawed masterpieces (Zodiac imo is one for sure) . Not saying this is that but just a thought. Seeing it tomorrow night.
HulkisHoly
HulkisHoly - 11/3/2021, 3:22 PM
@BlackBeltJones -

Wouldn’t you say a “flawed masterpiece” is an oxymoron?
Doesn’t the word “masterpiece” usually describe something flawless?

Just saying.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 11/3/2021, 3:29 PM
@HulkisHorny - true but is anything ever truly flawless? Perfection is impossible.
Something can be be both brilliant and questionable in equal measure.
DeaconFrostBite
DeaconFrostBite - 11/3/2021, 3:43 PM
@BlackBeltJones - What would you say are the flaws in Zodiac? Not disagreeing with you… just curious your thoughts.
Origame
Origame - 11/3/2021, 4:03 PM
@HulkisHorny - while this film is definitely something I'm skeptical about, you have a strange view of masterpiece when it comes to art. There is no such thing as a perfect piece of art. Perfect art is the oxymoron.
tugboy
tugboy - 11/3/2021, 4:04 PM
@HulkisHorny -
MasterPiece


Flawed MasterPiece
GhostDog
GhostDog - 11/3/2021, 4:15 PM
@DeaconFrostBite - it’s a frustrating film at times. 30 minutes are spent pursuing a lead that goes nowhere. Why bother putting that in the movie? It offers doesn’t offer even the illusion of a complete resolution. The film goes twist, revelation, threat, twist, revelation, threat, over and over until you wish it would just end.

But despite all of that I think is equally brilliant
HulkisHoly
HulkisHoly - 11/3/2021, 4:23 PM
@Origame -

I’m just pointing out the possible paradox in the phraseology of flawed masterpiece. Not trying to bust anyone’s balls.

Art is subjective but some people think there are “perfect” films out there.

I would consider Memento a perfect film in the specific type of film it is, from a story structure perspective. But that’s just an example.

Just not sure what a flawed masterpiece would be🤷🏻‍♂️
OmegaDaGrodd
OmegaDaGrodd - 11/3/2021, 2:44 PM


Character driven, contemplative sci fi mixed with blockbuster action was exactly what I was hoping to get out of this, so hopefully some of the editing/pacing choices don't bother me. Otherwise looks like it's bringing some much needed unique energy to the MCU. Looking forward to seeing how they build on this
globaltravels
globaltravels - 11/3/2021, 8:23 PM
@OmegaDaGrodd - PAPER BOOOOIIII
Menks123
Menks123 - 11/3/2021, 2:46 PM
Awesome review! Was really looking forward to it.

This part is what gets me most excited "but Eternals is more concerned with character than spectacle"

Exactly what i've wanted since day one.
GirshwinDavies
GirshwinDavies - 11/3/2021, 2:47 PM
I'm know I'm going to watch this. I just don't know when. Does anyone know when this comes out on Disney+?
Menks123
Menks123 - 11/3/2021, 2:50 PM
@KraftWitlee - 45 Days after release I believe is what Disney does.
GirshwinDavies
GirshwinDavies - 11/3/2021, 3:37 PM
@KraftWitlee - I*
bkmeijer2
bkmeijer2 - 11/3/2021, 3:45 PM
@KraftWitlee - probably the end of december. But definitely not the 22nd, since that's when we'll get the Hawkeye finale, and I assume they want all eyes focused on that
GirshwinDavies
GirshwinDavies - 11/3/2021, 3:52 PM
@Menks123 - thanks!
GirshwinDavies
GirshwinDavies - 11/3/2021, 3:53 PM
@bkmeijer - nice! Can't wait to check Hawkeye out
Cbmfilmjunkie
Cbmfilmjunkie - 11/3/2021, 2:48 PM
I’m still looking forward to it and I’ll judge for myself.

It’s interesting that the one marvel movie that doesn’t necessarily look like a Marvel movie has the worst reviews. I think that’s what makes me the most curious about this film, does going against the grain from the typical “formula“ work?
colonel179
colonel179 - 11/3/2021, 3:08 PM
@Cbmfilmjunkie - I think this is the biggest issue that critics are having. The movie is not the typical MCU formula, and they are complaining about it. The worst part is that they are dissing it, not because it's a bad thing is different, but it's just different. That's why I'm not trusting critics at all.

I believe we will see that fans will like this movie despite what the critics are saying.

TheHummus
TheHummus - 11/3/2021, 2:52 PM
The reviews made a lot of folks I know opt to wait for a Disney plus release. I’m going to watch it though but it might actually be a solo venture. A buddy was like, “I don’t care to see marvels version of a zack Snyder dc movie”

I loved man of steel so hey I might love this one too.
JonC
JonC - 11/3/2021, 6:24 PM
@TheHummus - there's likely no prison rape scene in this movie... so not Snyder enough i guess.
Carlo79
Carlo79 - 11/3/2021, 2:52 PM
I repeat again. I saw the movie today and it's great. Great, great, great! One of the most intense and empathic movie of the MCU.
regularmovieguy
regularmovieguy - 11/3/2021, 2:56 PM
@Carlo79

Was the scene set in Hiroshima 1945 as cringey as it sounds? It sounds really bad on paper.
Carlo79
Carlo79 - 11/3/2021, 4:36 PM
@regularmovieguy - I Liked. But my prefer sequence was during the Mesopotamian era. More touching scenes.
regularmovieguy
regularmovieguy - 11/3/2021, 4:38 PM
@Carlo79

Coo. Good to hear - think I’m seeing it with one of my buds on Saturday.
LukeCage2155
LukeCage2155 - 11/3/2021, 3:00 PM
Thanks for the review, Ror.

I'm seeing this movie Friday.


dracula
dracula - 11/3/2021, 3:04 PM
correct me if im wrong but isnt this the same guy who started an article about Eternals going rotten with a dis at DC?

If he is then id take this review with a pinch of salt.

Hopefully its good but not sure id trust this guy's word
MrDandy
MrDandy - 11/3/2021, 3:12 PM
Still seeing it in theaters. Not as excited and have tempered my expectation but I hopefully like it as much as you did!
ElJefe
ElJefe - 11/3/2021, 3:23 PM
Not that it’s a deal-breaker or anything, but @rormachine can you tell us if there’s a stronger Kirby influence then we’ve seen so far?
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