‘Eternity’ Review: Elizabeth Olsen Makes A24’s Rom-Com Worth the Commitment

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The idea of what happens after death has long fascinated artists, inspiring countless stories in books, religions, and more recently, movies. A24’s new romantic comedy, Eternity, presents a unique take: when people die, they get to choose the kind of afterlife they want.

This pivotal choice is central to the film’s tension, because once you make it, there’s no turning back. While the afterlife presents countless possibilities – worlds themed around everything from queer culture to capitalism – the main characters in Eternity face even greater challenges than simply selecting their eternal destination.

In director David Freyne and writer Pat Cunnane’s film, three recently deceased individuals find themselves in a unique situation: they’re not just choosing where to spend eternity, but with whom. Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) must decide between her current husband, Larry (Miles Teller), who she’s shared most of her life with, and her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), a Korean War veteran who has been waiting almost 70 years for the chance to be with her in the afterlife.

The film Eternity largely follows predictable patterns. The hotel where the deceased await their final destination feels like a typical, bureaucratic afterlife setting we’ve seen in many movies – think A Matter of Life and Death, Beetlejuice, After Life, Soul, and others. The romance also feels very formulaic, never exploring different possibilities for Joan as she seeks happiness with Larry or Luke – a more unconventional director might have enjoyed delving into that.


A24

The film expertly navigates its emotional moments, thanks to the writers’ skillful handling of the story’s themes. Without this finesse, Eternity could have felt heavy-handed. The afterlife is vividly brought to life with striking visuals and imaginative designs, making it truly captivating. The various “worlds” offered as afterlives are beautifully rendered, much like enticing advertisements within the purgatorial hotel. Sales pitches for these worlds are cleverly humorous, complete with witty slogans and background jokes – perhaps the most amusing being “Studio 54 World,” which promises cocaine samples and a carefree existence, playfully acknowledging the characters are already deceased.

Freyne intentionally uses artificiality throughout the film, most notably in the “archive” rooms where memories are replayed using simple, almost childlike, sets. The hotel also cleverly employs exaggerated backdrops and lighting to simulate different times of day for its deceased guests, creating an illusion of life. This stands in contrast to the brief look at living characters at the beginning, and ultimately makes the afterlife depicted in Eternity, and the central choice the characters face, feel surprisingly real.

What truly makes Eternity stand out, despite some predictable plot points, is its incredible cast. The actors deliver genuine emotion and excellent comedic timing. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early are particularly charming as afterlife consultants—they choose to remain in their roles rather than experience eternity themselves—even though their characters mainly support the main storyline. They’re a funny and engaging pair who add levity to the show’s more serious moments without overdoing it.


A24

Callum Turner is visually striking, and has been compared to Montgomery Clift, but his character feels more like a perfect image than a real person. Compared to the more relatable and flawed characters played by Teller and Olsen, Turner’s presence is less engaging. The chemistry between Teller and Olsen is further enhanced by supporting actors Barry Primus and Betty Buckley, who portray a loving, bickering couple mirroring their real-life relationship. Ultimately, the film Eternity depends on Teller and Olsen’s ability to show the complexities of a lifelong relationship—the happiness, the pain, and whether that connection is truly worth lasting forever, especially for Olsen’s character.

Elizabeth Olsen’s performance is the anchor of this film, bringing a depth that makes it truly captivating. She’s particularly strong, showcasing comedic talent we haven’t seen enough of since Ingrid Goes West, and powerfully conveying both deep sadness and frustration through subtle expressions. Olsen is the emotional core of Eternity, and her work is a major reason why David Freyne’s film is as enjoyable and engaging as it is.

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2025-11-25 18:35