Eternals, directed by the Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao, dives into the adventurous realm of Action, Adventure, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi. This movie review examines whether this film fits into the best superhero flicks or crumbles under its own ambitions. Took a while to get here, but in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, Zhao takes a stab at something massive—and, oh boy, there's a lot to unpack.
The plot centers around the immortal group of Eternals who've been secretly living on Earth for thousands of years. They were sent here by their mysterious creators, the Celestials, to combat the Deviants—beastly creatures committed to spreading chaos. Gemma Chan and Richard Madden take the lead in a plot that endeavors to provide a deep dive into moral dilemmas and god-like responsibilities. And let's not shy away from the most talked-about theme: making peace with who you are versus who you were programmed to be. Sounds intense, right? Get ready for drama that would make Greek gods blush.
Chloé Zhao's direction brings an unexpected aesthetic reminiscent of her earlier work, promising a slower-paced, earthy vibe—which is kind of unprecedented for a studio that thrives on bombastic spectacles. Forced emotions are often a byproduct of a cast as starry as a red carpet. But believe it or not, Zhao manages to steer these performances toward something cohesive. However, at times the screenplay feels like it’s playing Tetris with twelve-character arcs. Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek bring heart, yet even they feel like they're in a tug-of-war with the overloaded script.
In terms of cinematography, this masterpiece borrows sweeping landscapes akin to epics like Lord of the Rings. Chloé Zhao paints with a brush saturated in ocular delights. But don't expect the kinetic frenzy of, say, Avengers: Endgame. This is more cerebral—like that calming Sunday morning before a hurricane. It gives Eternals a unique stamp, yet, neither the action-hungry crowd nor the lovers of quirky MCU humor might leave entirely satisfied.
When comparing Eternals to other films in its genre, it's clear Zhao wanted to channel something on the echelon of pure art, aligning closely with the grandiose works of Denis Villeneuve's Dune, yet with that Marvel twist. But it sometimes totters toward being a glorified exposition. If you’re in for earned narrative tension, go watch X-Men. Those mutant family dramas offer the mythic tensions Eternals aims for but occasionally misses.
Final thoughts? If you've got a penchant for complex storytelling that twists your brain like a pretzel—or if the idea of extracting meaning over cheap thrills appeals to you—this is your jam. However, if you're looking for thrilling, must-watch films filled to the brim with quips and one-liners, perhaps hold your horses. Eternals isn't going anywhere soon. Still, it might pave the future of superhero movies with its daring departure from the norm. Head to the theater if you love seeing the boundary-pushing, exploratory side of sci-fi and fantasy. You might just leave sparking your own philosophical debates!