Set in a comic afterlife, ‘Eternity’ spreads out a couple’s post-death options like a menu

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Lots of charming fantasy movies explore what happens after death, often involving bureaucratic heavens and romantic complications – think classics like “Here Comes Mr. Jordan” (and its remake, “Heaven Can Wait”), the beautiful “A Matter of Life and Death,” and Albert Brooks’ “Defending Your Life.” While “Eternity,” with its somewhat drab, overcrowded afterlife setting, might not become a timeless masterpiece, it offers a fresh and witty take on love triangles and the afterlife. Director David Freyne, guided by screenwriter Pat Cunnane, cleverly echoes the playful spirit of those earlier films, suggesting that romantic comedies still have a place in modern cinema.

I was completely captivated by the story of Larry and Joan, a couple married for 65 years. It’s so poignant that Larry is the one who passes away first, even though Joan was the one battling a serious illness. Then, things get really interesting! He wakes up looking young again—Miles Teller does an amazing job portraying him—in a place that feels a bit like a strange travel agency. He’s presented with all these choices about what happens next, and this incredible woman, Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who you might recognize from “The Holdovers”), is there to help him figure it all out. It’s a really beautiful and thought-provoking setup.

The system has one catch: once you choose how you want to spend eternity – whether it’s based on a favorite place or a reaction to your past life (a world without men is a common choice) – your decision is final. There are no second chances. When Joan arrives shortly after Larry, she finds not only a husband eager to spend forever with her, but also Luke, her first love, who has been remarkably preserved and has waited decades to revive their short-lived romance.

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Despite its playful, over-the-top setting, the story of “Eternity” explores a surprisingly heartfelt question: is it better to choose the comfort of the known, or take a chance on the unknown? Even the people making the show have their preferences—one organizer clearly favors the dreamy Luke. However, while the story tries to make both potential partners seem equally good – Larry is reliable and honest, Luke patient and self-sacrificing – the show struggles because only Teller, as Larry, has a truly interesting character to play. He brings a welcome, relatable awkwardness, reminiscent of Jack Lemmon, portraying Larry as frustrated, anxious, but ultimately good-hearted and lost. Teller’s ability to convey that nervous energy might just give his career lasting appeal.

The show would be much stronger if Olsen and Turner’s characters were developed as well as the others; unfortunately, Joan and Luke aren’t nearly as compelling. Turner’s role feels stuck in a familiar, uninspired pattern, and even though Olsen is great at capturing a fast-paced, comedic energy, Joan’s character lacks depth beyond a single defining trait.

The most rewarding part of this generally lighthearted, though somewhat uneven, film is the fantastic chemistry between Miles Teller and Regina Randolph. Their scenes together – funny, touching, and ranging from a professional relationship to a deep friendship – are the film’s strongest, hinting at a more thought-provoking story (like a blend of ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Oh, God!’) that could have been further developed.

Even after a surprising plot twist, the film “Eternity” manages to end on a genuinely moving note. While Teller is strong as a husband struggling with a difficult situation, Randolph truly shines and carries the film, making its hopeful themes and clever self-reflection work. After years of supporting other actors’ stories, it’s time someone gives this incredibly talented actress a starring role she deserves.

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2025-11-25 22:01