Imagine waking up after you die only to find yourself stuck in a fluorescent lit terminal that feels like a busy airport. You have one week to make the most difficult decision of your entire existence. That is the hook of the new A24 film Eternity which stars Elizabeth Olsen and Callum Turner. This metaphysical romantic comedy asks a question that haunts many people during their quietest moments.
If you could spend forever with one person would you choose the partner you grew old with or the one who got away? The film explores this complex emotional territory with a whimsical touch that audiences rarely see in modern cinema. Callum Turner plays the role of the first love who was frozen in time. He recently opened up about why this script made him laugh out loud and how he approached playing a ghost of the past.
The Afterlife Is A Busy Airport Terminal
The premise of Eternity flips the traditional idea of heaven on its head. Instead of pearly gates or clouds the characters find themselves in a bureaucratic processing center. It looks like a mix between a shopping mall and a travel hub. New arrivals must decide where they want to reside for the rest of time. This choice becomes a crisis for Joan who is played by Elizabeth Olsen.
She must choose between two men who represent very different parts of her soul. One is her husband played by Miles Teller whom she built a life with over decades. The other is Luke played by Callum Turner. Luke is her first love who died young and has been waiting for her in this celestial concourse for years.
Key Players in The Afterlife:
- Elizabeth Olsen as Joan: The woman facing an impossible eternal choice.
- Miles Teller as The Husband: The steady partner who shared her adult life.
- Callum Turner as Luke: The youthful first love frozen in time.
- David Freyne: The director bringing this high concept vision to life.
Turner describes his character as someone who never quite grew up. Luke is still behaving like a 27 year old man despite being in the afterlife for decades. This dynamic creates a fascinating tension between the characters. It highlights the difference between the idealized memory of youth and the reality of a lived life.
Callum Turner Elizabeth Olsen Eternity movie A24 romantic comedy scene
Bringing Old School Romance Back To Theaters
The film is being praised for returning to a classic style of filmmaking. Turner noted that the movie has a specific rhythm that feels like a throwback to the golden age of cinema. He was drawn to the project because of the director David Freyne. Turner had previously admired Freyne’s work on Dating Amber and trusted his vision for this unique story.
“It felt embedded in a specific moment in time but very contemporary at the same time.”
The script offers a blend of wholesome humor and genuine emotion. Turner mentioned specific scenes that made him laugh out loud during his first read. He highlighted a “Dean Martin moment” and a joke involving Blue Bulls as standout comedic beats. These elements suggest that Eternity will balance its heavy themes with significant levity.
Audiences have been craving movies that feel lighter on their feet. The industry has seen a shift toward heavy dramas or massive blockbusters recently. Eternity aims to fill the gap for a smart and funny romantic comedy. It treats the genre with respect while adding a supernatural twist.
Chemistry That Defies Space And Time
The success of any romantic comedy rests entirely on the chemistry between the leads. Turner had nothing but high praise for his co-stars. He spent weeks rehearsing with Elizabeth Olsen to build their backstory. This preparation allowed them to create a bond that feels authentic and deep on screen.
His dynamic with Miles Teller was different but equally effective. Turner revealed that they found an instant spark as soon as the cameras started rolling. There was a natural cadence between the two actors that required very little adjustment. This rivalry forms the emotional core of the movie.
The Romantic Dilemma:
| Feature | Miles Teller’s Character | Callum Turner’s Character |
|---|---|---|
| Role | The Husband | The First Love |
| Time Shared | Decades of marriage | A passionate youth |
| Vibe | Grounded and mature | Frozen in time and fun |
| Appeal | Stability and history | Nostalgia and “What If” |
Working with such a talented cast pushed Turner to test his own comedic skills. The film features supporting performances from comedy heavyweights like Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early. Turner wanted to ensure he could keep up with their rhythm. The result is a performance that blends his matinee idol looks with a loose and funny energy.
From Airmen To Afterlife Romeos
Callum Turner has quietly become a go to actor for period pieces over the last few years. He gained massive popularity starring in Masters of the Air and The Boys in the Boat. His classic look often lands him roles set in the past. He joked that his hair might be the secret weapon helping him secure these parts.
However Eternity allows him to flex different acting muscles. He steps away from the serious drama of war to embrace the lighter side of romance. Turner is a self proclaimed fan of the genre. He admitted to missing a bus once because he was too engrossed in watching Notting Hill.
This love for romantic comedies shines through in his performance. He understands the beats and the emotional stakes required to make the audience swoon. Turner also expressed a desire to do a musical like Guys and Dolls in the future. It is clear that he is an actor who refuses to be boxed into a single category.
The film Eternity is shaping up to be a standout release for A24. It tackles the universal fear of making the wrong choice. It wraps that fear in a package that is entertaining and visually distinct. Fans are eager to see who Joan ultimately chooses.
We all carry memories of people we lost or paths we did not take. Eternity gives form to those lingering questions in a way that promises to be both heartbreaking and hilarious. It is a reminder that love transcends even death.
What would you do if you had to choose between your first love and your life partner? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you are excited about this movie join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #EternityMovie.
