The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a new entry into its already massive list of official feature films with the recent release of Marvel’s Eternals. This is the third film in Phase 4 of the MCU’s epic storyline, following Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. How does it stack up to the other movies from the MCU and what does it tell us about the future of Phase 4? Check out our mostly spoiler-free Eternals movie review to find out!
What’s it About?
Eternals is an origin story, featuring a group of cosmic beings called, you guessed it - Eternals. The group includes:
Ajak (Salma Hayak) - The leader of the group, with healing powers.
Ikaris (Richard Madden) - The most powerful Eternal. Think Superman, but in the MCU.
Thena (Angelina Jolie) - A matchless warrior who manifests weapons out of energy.
Sersi (Gemma Chan) - Has the ability to transform matter.
Druig (Barry Keoghan) - With the ability to control minds.
Gilgamesh (Don Lee) - The strongest Eternal.
Sprite (Lia McHugh) - She has the ability to cast illusions.
Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) - A speedster.
Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) - Has the power to invent and create complex machinery.
Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) - Has the ability to generate powerful energy blasts from his hands.
These beings were sent to earth 7000 years ago, to protect humanity from another group of interstellar beings called Deviants. Basically, they are horrible, destructive monsters. They have been living on earth ever since defeating the Deviants thousands of years ago, charged with not interfering in the development of humanity while awaiting word from the Celestial Arishem that their mission is complete and they can return home.
As the trailers have revealed, the Deviants have returned, bringing the Eternals out of retirement to fight the new threat. We won’t say too much beyond that about the plot, so we don’t spoil the story.
A Complex Origin Story
The film has the daunting task of introducing 10 new superheroes at the same time. That’s no easy task, when trying to make each character distinct and interesting in their own right. It’s part of why the film is over 2.5 hours long. The film takes us back in time to see how the Eternals arrived on earth and various adventures they had in the distant past, interspersed with what is happening now.
The film takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame, so there is some discussion of how Thanos destroyed half the life in the universe and then the Avengers brought everyone back. We also get some explanation of why the Eternals never showed up to fight Thanos, with their orders not to interfere with humanity, unless there are Deviants involved. That one is a little tough to swallow, given that several of them have come to love humanity and become involved in human lives. But, you just need to accept it and move on.
The Cast
As you can see from the character and actor list above, the MCU welcomed in a couple of A-List actors in Jolie and Hayek, along with a variety of other well-known actors. They all do a solid job of inhabiting their roles, but it’s hard to stand out amidst 10 characters.
How does it fit into the MCU?
'That’s the question. Coming out of the film, you will have a few questions about how this story will fit into the expanding MCU. It may be that Eternals is setting up the central storyline for Phase 4. However, we already know that the Multiverse is going to play a key role in the next story arc, so….?
The film does have a different feel than any other MCU movie I can think of - and I’ve seen them all at least once. It is visually stunning and while it does include some humor, it’s different than what MCU fans may have come to expect.
Watch it or Not?
If you’re an MCU fan, this isn’t even a question. Go see it. If you’re new to the MCU (there must be some people out there, right?), this probably isn’t the best first movie to watch, since it is tonally different than virtually every previous MCU film or TV show.
