What happens when “till death do us part” actually means the romantic drama is just getting started? That is the hilarious and heartbreaking question posed by the new A24 film Eternity. Elizabeth Olsen stars as a woman caught between two loves in a uniquely branded afterlife, proving that finding your happy ending is complicated even after you take your final breath.
A Heavenly Love Triangle With A Twist
The premise of Eternity takes the standard romantic comedy formula and flips it on its head with a supernatural spin. Writer-director David Freyne introduces us to Joan Cutler, played by the captivating Elizabeth Olsen. Joan has just passed away and expects a peaceful reunion with her husband of 65 years, Larry.
Larry is played by Miles Teller, and their reunion at a cosmic waystation seems sweet at first. But the afterlife has a surprise waiting for Joan in the form of her first love.
Luke, played by Callum Turner, is the soldier she married briefly before he died in the Korean War. This creates a fascinating dilemma for Joan. She is now stuck in a spiritual transit terminal with two valid husbands who represent very different parts of her soul.
This setup moves beyond the typical love triangle we see in movies like Sweet Home Alabama. It asks a deeper question about human connection. Can you love two people equally for different reasons?
The film explores this through the lens of the actors’ incredible chemistry. Olsen anchors the film with emotional depth. She portrays a woman who has lived a full life but is suddenly confronted with the “what if” scenario she buried decades ago.
Elizabeth Olsen Eternity movie afterlife love triangle scene
The Business of Forever
One of the most creative aspects of Eternity is how it depicts heaven. The filmmakers decided against the traditional fluffy clouds and pearly gates. Instead, they present the afterlife as a bustling marketplace.
It turns out that eternity is a product you have to choose. The film treats the afterlife like a travel agency where different “flavors” of forever are sold to arriving souls. This adds a layer of sharp satire to the romance.
You are not just choosing who to spend time with. You are choosing which reality you want to inhabit. The movie features hilarious scenes of salespeople pitching different versions of heaven to the confused main characters.
Here are some of the quirky afterlife options mentioned in the film:
- Catholic Eternity: This package asks the question, “What is life without a little guilt?”
- Infantilization Land: A never-ending childhood experience where parents are assigned to you upon arrival.
- World of Satanism: A surprisingly modern take that now features Pickleball courts for its residents.
The setting looks like an airport shuttle terminal mixed with a corporate hotel. This mundane backdrop makes the magical elements feel even funnier. It grounds the story in a reality that feels familiar to anyone who has ever been stuck in a layover.
Comparing The Two Loves
The central conflict boils down to the choice between Larry and Luke. They are not just men. They represent two distinct types of love that humans experience.
Joan has to weigh the value of a lifetime of shared memories against the intoxicating rush of young passion. It is a battle between the comfort of the known and the excitement of the unknown.
The script does a fantastic job of giving both men a fair fighting chance.
Below is a breakdown of what each suitor brings to the table:
| Feature | Larry (Miles Teller) | Luke (Callum Turner) |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship Type | Companionate Love | Passionate Love |
| History | 65 years of marriage | Brief, tragic wartime romance |
| Dynamic | Shared ups and downs of life | The potential of a life unlived |
| Vibe | Steady, humorous, familiar | Smoldering, exciting, idealistic |
Miles Teller plays Larry with a specific brand of wisecracking humor. He represents the reality of marriage. It is not always perfect, but it is built on decades of trust.
Callum Turner, on the other hand, fits the mold of the classic movie star. He is the dream that never faded. The movie cleverly uses jokes to remind us that he is not actually perfect, but he certainly looks the part.
Comedy Gold In The Afterlife
While the romantic stakes are high, Eternity is also very funny. The film utilizes physical comedy to great effect.
One standout bit involves Joan and Larry struggling with their new bodies. Even though they look young again, their souls retain the muscle memory of 80-year-olds. Watching young actors react with shock when they can suddenly squat or run without pain is a highlight of the film.
The supporting cast adds another layer of humor to the proceedings. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early play afterlife coordinators. They act as comic relief, pushing the plot forward when the main characters get stuck in their indecision.
These characters work like chaotic wedding planners. They just want Joan to make a decision so they can keep the line moving. Their presence prevents the movie from becoming too melodramatic.
Is This The Rom Com of The Year?
Eternity manages to be both a crowd-pleaser and a thoughtful meditation on death. It acknowledges that saying goodbye is hard. But it also suggests that love does not end when the heart stops beating.
Elizabeth Olsen proves once again why she is one of the most versatile actresses working today. She balances the high-concept sci-fi elements with grounded emotion. You believe her struggle because she plays it with total sincerity.
The film does not offer easy answers. It forces the audience to ask what they would do in Joan’s shoes. Would you choose the comfortable path you know? Or would you risk it all for the ghost of a past love?
The movie releases in theaters on Wednesday, November 26. It is the perfect watch for the holiday season when families are gathering and emotions are running high.
This film is a reminder to cherish the love we have right now. It tells us that while eternity might be a long time, the choices we make today are what truly matter.
