Chloé Zhao’s addition to the ever-expanding Marvel universe is a refreshing take on Marvel Studios’ classic formula. “Eternals” features a star-studded cast that includes Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani. This latest edition to the MCU is an emotional tale about human connection; it also features brilliant world-building and an unexpected layer of maturity for a superhero film.
Zhao brings viewers a story that takes place across 7000 years, spanning over a lengthy 157-minute run-time. In fact, the long run-time makes “Eternals” the second longest MCU film, coming in 2nd place to the 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.” The film features solid performances from its diverse main cast. Additionally, “Eternals” features Marvel’s first deaf superhero (played by “The Walking Dead’s” Lauren Ridloff), and its first openly gay superhero (portrayed by “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” star Brian Tyree Henry).
Injecting Newness into the MCU formula
“Eternals” tells the story of an immortal race of super-powered beings, known as Eternals; they’ve been brought to Earth by another race of super-powered beings called Celestials. Sent by the Celestials to rid Earth of creatures called Deviants, the Eternals reside among civilisations throughout our history; the help humanity progress and develop while protecting them from the Deviants. But when they learn the truth of their existence, the Eternals must try and stop the destruction of Earth that has been brought on by an apocalyptic event known as ‘The Emergence’—an explosive event that follows the birth of a Celestial.
Despite following Marvel’s continuously recycled formula, “Eternals” manages to inject something new and exciting into the MCU with Zhao’s brilliance as a director carrying across into the detailed world-building and Ben Davis’ naturalistic cinematography. Zhao also reunited with crew from her 2020 ‘Best Picture’ winner “Nomadland” cinematographer Joshua James Richards, serving as a camera operator for the film.
Angelina Jolie in “Eternals.” Photo: Marvel Studios
“Eternals” isn’t the first film to fall victim to Marvel’s current stream of second-rate CGI releases like “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Black Widow,” which have also featured some questionable visual effects. Although, Zhao’s unwillingness to use green screen and visual effects has its benefits. It allows “Eternals” to feature stunning natural locations that bring places like Mesopotamia, Babylon, and the Amazon to the screen. The acclaimed director pays homage to “Nomadland” by including scenes set in South Dakota, as seen in the 2020 drama. Additionally, “Iron Man” and “Game of Thrones” composer Ramin Djawadi returns to Marvel to provide “Eternals” with a melodic, pleasant-sounding score.
More Hinting as the MCU Explores Phase 4
Like other Marvel projects, the future of the vast universe is hinted at in a variety of ways. “Eternals” paves the way for various upcoming projects; this includes Mahershala Ali’s upcoming film “Blade” and a possible sequel while also introducing new characters like Dane Whitman/Black Knight (played by “Game of Throne’s” Kit Harington) and Thanos’ brother Eros, also known as Starfox (played by none other than Harry Styles).
Marvel tries its hand at more mature material in “Eternals.” Photo: Marvel Studios.
“Eternals” deals with more tender themes than some other films in the MCU, including human connection, what it means to be human, and family. The film also brings an immense amount of diversity to the MCU, including characters of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, and sexualities to the screen. “Eternals” marks itself as a turning point for the MCU as the studio is finally acting on its promise to include characters from all backgrounds and cultures. The film is one of the more mature features to come from Marvel Studios; the film delves into deeper themes than most of Marvel’s previous features, and also includes the MCU’s first sex scene, albeit brief enough for the film to keep its 12A/PG-13 rating.
Featuring a star-studded cast and fresh visuals, Chloé Zhao’s “Eternals” is a new, exciting film that shows audiences that superhero films can be cinematic and introspective, while also delivering thrilling fight sequences and intense action. Building on the history of the MCU and also the future, “Eternals” is a tender story that allows viewers from all backgrounds to feel represented and included.
“Eternals” is currently only available to watch in theaters.
