Eternity Movie Review: A Fresh Take on Love and the Afterlife
The concept of the afterlife has long captivated filmmakers, leading to classics like Defending Your Life and Heaven Can Wait. The new movie Eternity joins this genre, offering a whimsical and clever romantic comedy. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, the film presents a unique vision of what comes next. It explores the complexities of love, choice, and what it means to live a fulfilled life, even after it’s over. This review will cover everything you need to know, from the plot and characters to the deeper themes that make this film a standout.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary: A Heavenly Love Triangle
Eternity begins with Joan (played in her later years by Betty Buckley) and Larry (Barry Primus), a couple married for 65 years. Joan is battling a terminal illness, but in a twist of fate, Larry dies first after choking on a peanut. He awakens in “the Junction,” a bureaucratic and strangely corporate afterlife hub, where he is once again his younger self (Miles Teller). Here, the newly deceased choose their forever “eternity” from a catalog of options, like “Paris Land” or “Mountain Town.”
Shortly after, Joan (now Elizabeth Olsen) arrives. She is met with an impossible choice. Her second husband, Larry, is waiting for her, ready to spend eternity together. But so is her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), a dashing soldier who died tragically in the Korean War decades earlier. Luke has been waiting in this liminal space just for her. Joan now has one week to decide which man she will spend the rest of forever with: the comfortable, familiar love of her long life with Larry, or the passionate, what-if romance with Luke.
Themes and Messages: Beyond Happily Ever After
Eternity dives into some surprisingly deep questions about love and happiness. The film suggests that true love isn’t just about a single, perfect moment. Instead, it’s about shared history, growth, and enduring partnership. Larry represents the beauty of a long, albeit imperfect, life shared with someone. Luke embodies the powerful allure of idealized first love and an unlived dream.
The central message is a poignant one: love is more than just a feeling of happiness. It’s about “growing together, looking after each other.” This theme is explored as Joan revisits her memories and weighs the steady, quiet comfort of her life with Larry against the spark of her time with Luke. The film cleverly uses its fantastical setting to ask real-world questions about what makes a relationship meaningful.
While exploring these themes, the film maintains a light touch. To capture Joan’s timeless look, one might pair a classic outfit with the subtle elegance of a product like the rhode Peptide Lip Tint. It offers a hint of color that’s both modern and classic, perfect for a character grappling with past and present.
Character Analysis: The Stars of the Afterlife
The performances from the main cast are a major strength of Eternity.
- Elizabeth Olsen as Joan: Olsen brings a wonderful mix of charm, confusion, and warmth to Joan. She perfectly captures the feeling of an old soul in a young body, rediscovering physical joys like squatting and jumping while facing an immense emotional burden. Her performance is relatable and grounded, making Joan the heart of the film.
- Miles Teller as Larry: Teller shines as the underdog. His portrayal of Larry is neurotic, sardonic, and deeply decent. He’s not the idealized romantic hero, which makes him all the more compelling. Teller’s performance gives Larry a spiky, lovable quality that makes you root for him. The chemistry between Teller and Olsen is fantastic, especially in their moments of shared history and rediscovery.
- Callum Turner as Luke: Turner plays the handsome, charming Luke with an air of patient sacrifice. He is the picture-perfect first love, preserved in youth. While his character is less fleshed out than Larry’s, Turner’s performance effectively sells the dream that Luke represents, making Joan’s choice genuinely difficult.
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Anna: As an “Afterlife Coordinator,” Randolph is a scene-stealer. She provides much of the film’s comedic relief but also serves as a source of wisdom and empathy. Her interactions with Teller’s character are some of the best moments in the movie, adding another layer of heart and humor.
How Eternity Stands Out
Compared to other reviews of Eternity, this analysis delves deeper into the character dynamics and thematic weight that make the film more than just a simple rom-com. While publications like the LA Times and AP News praise the film’s cleverness and charming cast, they sometimes note that certain characters feel underdeveloped. We see this as a deliberate choice to emphasize the central conflict from Joan’s perspective.
Unlike reviews that focus heavily on content warnings, like Plugged In, our focus is on the film’s artistic merits and the questions it raises. We aim to provide a more holistic view that captures both its entertainment value and its thoughtful core. The film’s unique take on the afterlife, presented as a corporate trade show, provides a fresh and humorous backdrop that sets it apart from more traditional spiritual or romantic films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Elizabeth Olsen and the movie.
Is Elizabeth Olsen related to the Olsen twins?
Yes, Elizabeth Olsen is the younger sister of famous twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. While her sisters became famous as children on the show Full House, Elizabeth began her acting career later.
Was Elizabeth Olsen in Full House?
No, Elizabeth Olsen was not in Full House. Her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, famously shared the role of Michelle Tanner.
How old is Elizabeth Olsen?
Born on February 16, 1989, Elizabeth Olsen is 36 years old as of late 2025.
Who is Elizabeth Olsen married to?
Elizabeth Olsen is married to musician Robbie Arnett. The couple has been together for several years and confirmed their marriage in 2021.
What is Elizabeth Olsen’s most famous role?
Elizabeth Olsen is widely recognized for playing Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). She has appeared in several movies, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, as well as the hit Disney+ series WandaVision.
Does Elizabeth Olsen have an Instagram?
No, Elizabeth Olsen does not currently have a public Instagram account. She has spoken about her decision to step away from social media to focus on her mental health and privacy. To achieve a radiant, camera-ready look like Olsen’s without the filter, a great primer is key. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer creates a smooth base for makeup that lasts all day.
Is Elizabeth Olsen in Agatha All Along?
While the show is a spin-off of WandaVision, current information does not confirm Elizabeth Olsen’s appearance as Scarlet Witch in the Agatha All Along series.
Conclusion: A Must-See Romantic Comedy
Eternity is a clever, charming, and surprisingly thoughtful film that succeeds on multiple levels. It offers a fresh and funny take on the afterlife while asking poignant questions about love, life, and the choices that define us. With stellar performances from Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and the rest of the cast, the movie is both a delightful romantic comedy and a touching exploration of human connection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both lighthearted and deeply resonant, making it one of the must-see movies of the year. For a final touch of on-screen radiance, a product like the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer can give you that perfect glow.