Eternals Review – A New Branch For The MCU To Delve Into

“Not the best MCU film to ever grace our screens, but definitely one that builds out a new corner of the universe…”

26 films in, and the MCU is continuing to deliver new characters that most fans are probably less familiar with. In this case, we are introduced to a new group with potential for a future similar to the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Eternals tells the story of eight beings sent to Earth by an almighty celestial, Arishem the Judge. Their mission? To fight against monstrous The Deviants, alien creatures plaguing the planet. Over thousands of years, we watch as each adapts to life on Earth in their own way.

Much like Dune, the strongest component of this film is it’s stellar, diverse ensemble. With names like Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden on the cast list, you know you’re in for something special. It is Gemma Chan’s Sersi who is very much front and centre however. Chan acts as the heart of the film and does so very well.

Everyone has their moment in the film and there is a lot of energy all round, especially from young actress Lia McHugh, who holds her own against the older cast. However, a big standout is Silicon Valley‘s Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo. Using his comedy roots and not being afraid to tap into some dramatic acting, this actor is a welcome addition. He definitely gives us some highlight moments during the runtime. There is also the introductions of our first gay and deaf superheroes, Phastos and Makkari, played by Atlanta‘s Brian Tyree Henry and New Amsterdam‘s Lauren Ridloff respectively. Both are handled seamlessly and proudly. However, there are sides of the former’s direction that could have been handled a bit better, but more on that later.

As with most ensemble films, the possible downfall is not getting enough of certain characters; something this entry does suffer for. Though the film dots around in different periods, it does take time before we get to really know some of the team. Because of this, it feels like we are just expected to accept each character instantly. Though this is subjective given how the plot pays out, for me its something that leaves you muddled.

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There is also the issue of the villain. Without giving away too much, the film gives us various antagonists by the end. But, who are we to believe is the main big bad? Most Marvel films have a single villain, and if there is more than that then you are clearly told who is centre stage. With this, it becomes confusing and it needed more focus.

Alas, let us not forget the impact of the legendary post-credit scenes. The film goes with two for this outing, and they are sure to have mixed reactions. The first…will divide a lot of fans, and will probably not be favourable among most. The second? It holds a small detail that will be very exciting for everyone once they realise what/who it consists of. All in all, both add their own new thread to the future of the MCU. It will be interesting to see where both lead us.

When it comes to plot, you can’t complain in terms of exposition. You are drip fed everything you need to know perfectly. You’re given acceptable explanations as to how the Eternals fit into the universe so late in the game and why they’ve never been around before. Though, it is going to make for some interesting introductions to meme culture. We’ll see. One other thing not to be sniffed at is the reveal that one of our heroes turns out to be batting for the bad guys also. The best thing about it? Though you can feel it is a possibility throughout, you’re second guessing constantly as to who it will be. When it is uncovered, it is done very well and you feel the gut punch from it.

Something that could have been done better for pacing’s sake (yes, I’m a sucker for bringing up pacing) is the time jumping. The film constantly takes us back in time to when the Eternals were battling Deviants. As much as it is necessary, it comes at times when it feels to stop the present day story dead. You almost feel like the present day story should have been a sequel and the team’s time in the past should have been a fully fledged introduction.

Chloé Zhao’s directing style helps to give us a fresh look at the Marvel universe which is refreshing. Each location we visit through the film is beautiful. We also get some breathtaking visuals in how some of our heroes’ powers are displayed. Madden’s Ikaris and Ridloff’s Makkari are respectively shown as a better versions of Superman and The Flash because of the CGI alone. DC and Warner Bros. could learn a thing or two here.

The only big downfall of Zhao’s directing? You can tell it is an Oscar winner at the helm. There are times when the film is made to look bigger than it needs to be. Granted, the director was appointed to the film before she won her Oscar for Nomadland. Nonetheless it still feels like there is just something overblown at certain points.

There is also the issue with one piece of homosexual representation. All is executed well in this respect and, as mentioned earlier, it is great to have an out and proud gay character among this roster of heroes. Having said that, aspects such as the music used for the first on-screen gay kiss is just cliché and over the top. Unneeded if anything. But aside from this, Zhao introduced handled the subject very well.

It is great to see that even 13 years into the MCU, we’re still digging into the Marvel catalogue to bring out characters worthy of a feature length story. Its a testament that these filmmakers can still build off branches in this universe and show that there is a lot of life still to breathe into this franchise.

Overall, as with most MCU films it is a thrill ride that stands apart from most others. Most critics are rating it as one of the worst Marvel films to date, which I strong disagree with. Yes, the villain and pacing issues can’t be overlooked entirely. But, it’s extremely diverse cast, it’s epic scale and unexpected plot twists are brilliant. Putting this in the same category as Thor: The Dark World? Out of the question. Marvel have proven they can learn from their mistakes since that misstep in 2013, and this film stands as an example.

Not the best MCU film to ever grace our screens, but definitely one that builds out a new corner of the universe and will lead to some interesting stories in the future. From us, its bagged itself a 7.8/10.

Eternals in currently showing in Cinemas.