Death is usually the end of the story, but for A24’s latest release it is just the start of the paperwork. Eternity brings together heavy hitters Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen in a candy-colored vision of the afterlife. While the lead actors deliver charming performances, the film struggles to escape the shadow of the classic movies that clearly inspired it.
Love Triangles And Afterlife Bureaucracy
The premise asks a question we have all pondered late at night. Who would you actually want to spend forever with?
The story follows Larry and Joan. They are an elderly couple driving to a gender reveal party when fate intervenes. They die separately but reunite in a processing center that looks more like a retro resort than the pearly gates.
This version of the hereafter operates like a travel agency. Newly deceased souls must choose their permanent residence from various themed worlds.
Larry and Joan revert to their youthful appearances. They are played by Teller and Olsen with a mix of old-soul weariness and young energy. They seem set for paradise until a wrench lands in the gears.
The Afterlife Options Include:
- Mountain World: For those who love hiking forever.
- Library World: A quiet place for endless reading.
- Club World: A nonstop party for the energetic souls.
Joan’s first husband Luke suddenly appears in this limbo. Played by Callum Turner, Luke is the charming ex who never stopped loving her.
The film quickly pivots from a metaphysical exploration to a classic love triangle. It becomes a cosmic version of The Bachelor where the final rose lasts forever.
miles teller and elizabeth olsen eternity movie afterlife scene
Teller And Olsen Elevate A Weak Script
The biggest draw for this film is undoubtedly the cast. Miles Teller steps away from the intense energy he showed in Top Gun: Maverick. Here he plays Larry with a softer and more reactive approach.
It is a tricky role. He has to act like a grumpy old man trapped in a movie star’s body.
Elizabeth Olsen brings a surprising amount of emotional weight to the table. She treats the fantastical setting with total sincerity. Her performance grounds the movie when the script threatens to float away into silliness.
“The chemistry between Teller and Olsen is the glue holding this pastel universe together. Without them, the foundation would crumble.”
However, the script does not always give them enough to do. Much of the runtime involves them sitting in waiting rooms or cafeterias. They talk about their past lives rather than experiencing new things.
Callum Turner plays the rival love interest with a smooth perfection. Yet his character feels more like a plot device than a real person. He exists solely to test the main couple rather than offering a compelling alternative.
Walking In The Shadow Of Giants
Critics and audiences cannot help but notice the similarities to past hits. The most obvious comparison is Albert Brooks’ 1991 classic Defending Your Life.
Both films feature a bureaucratic afterlife. Both feature couples meeting in limbo. Both treat judgment day like a visit to the DMV.
Eternity borrows so heavily from this predecessor that it often feels like a cover song. It mimics the melody without capturing the original soul.
Common Tropes Used:
- Bus depots transporting souls.
- Case workers judging your life choices.
- The constant fear of making the wrong choice.
The movie also leans on vibes from The Good Place and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It tries to blend quirky comedy with deep existential dread.
Director David Freyne creates a visually distinct world. But the rules of this universe feel loose. The stakes never feel quite as high as they should given the permanent nature of the situation.
Visuals That Pop But Lack Depth
The production design deserves credit for its bold choices. The afterlife is not white clouds and harps. It is a mid-century modern hotel with a Wes Anderson color palette.
Every frame is filled with soft pinks and teals. It looks fantastic on screen and will surely dominate Instagram feeds.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph shows up as Larry’s caseworker. Coming off her massive success during the awards season, she remains a delight to watch. She brings a dry wit to the administrative side of death.
Unfortunately her screen time is limited. The movie hints at a funnier workplace comedy happening in the background that we rarely get to see.
The special effects serve the story well without taking over. The de-aging concepts are handled through casting rather than uncanny CGI. This was a smart move that keeps the focus on the acting.
The pacing drags in the middle section. The characters spend too much time debating their choices in static rooms. A few more visual gags or location changes would have helped the flow.
