When it comes to the films in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU), you’re probably either enjoying every one by now… or simply sick to the back teeth of them.
The inter-linked movies are hugely successful and attract some of the world’s biggest names, but can often be accused of following a similar formula.
That’s simply not the case with Marvel’s Eternals, with acclaimed director Chloé Zhao taking the helm of a film that could easily exist without every other MCU offering that came before it.
Simply put, Eternals is huge. The characters dwarf any of the Avengers (perhaps barring Thor) ability-wise and have lived through thousands of years of human life on Earth – meaning the film, although set in the present day, visits a number of notable time periods.
The story here essentially follows a group of immortal beings throughout Earth’s history as they fight to protect the planet from the monster-like Deviants.
Sent on their mission by the celestial Arishem, the eternals are led by Ajak (Salma Hayek) and are made up of Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Thena (Angelina Jolie) and Gilgamesh (Don Lee).
Each Eternal has their own ability; Ikaris is akin to Superman with his ability to fly and laser eyes, for example. Each also has their own story within the group, making it a tough task to introduce them all together.
I read somewhere that it’s a little like introducing the Avengers before giving the main characters solo movies, which is as good a description as I can offer.
That’s not to say the Eternals aren’t done well (they are) but it shows the difficult hand they’ve been dealt here.
We spend much of the film with Sersi, Sprite and Ikaris, but Jolie kind of steals the show with an excellent performance as a troubled Thena.
It’s impossible to go into too much detail as regards the plot, but it centres around the return of the Deviants, how the Eternals feel about humanity and how far they’re willing to go to save them from certain oblivion.
It’s remarkable to think that these immortals were on the board throughout every disaster the Avengers have fended off over the years, but that elephant in the room is discussed early on.
From the way the film starts (with Star Wars like scrolling text) to an MCU film having an actual sex scene and a very clear gay character, Eternals is a nice change from the Marvel norm (even if I am a fully signed up member of the Avengers fan club).
It does, however, struggle with condensing enough material for perhaps two or three films into one.
That being said, the action is typically impressive and the performances are strong across the board.
Jolie certainly delivers as the biggest name, adding gravitas to a cast that are all welcome MCU additions.
But Chan’s Sersi and Madden’s Ikaris are the main players here and their fate is very much intertwined with the overarching plot.
The ending is satisfying, but also goes to show just how insignificant Earth’s mightiest heroes are in comparison to this group.
It should also be said that Kit Harington, Harish Patel and Bill Skarsgard have smaller rolls but also add nicely to the plot, with Harington in particular set for a bigger MCU plot if the post credits teaser is to be believed.
Likewise, be sure to stay until the very end for a big name surprise reveal in the final post-credits scene.
Overall, Eternals may not be your traditional superhero fare, but does a great job introducing a vast amount of very important characters to the MCU – and should be applauded for that alone.
Voice Verdict: 8.5/10 (reviewed at Boston Savoy)
+ So many big new MCU characters
+ Jolie is great
+ Madden and Chan shine
+ Trademark Marvel action
– Has to cram in a lot of material
SHOWTIMES
Boston Savoy (Fri, Nov 12 to Thurs, Nov 18)
GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE (12A)
5.30pm (Thu), 8.30pm (Thu)
SPENCER (12A)
12.20pm (Wed), 3pm (daily), 5.40pm (daily), 8.20pm (daily)
ETERNALS (12A)
9.45am (Sat/Sun), 1pm (Sat/Sun/Wed), 4.30pm (daily), 8pm (daily)
THE BOSS BABY 2
Noon (Sat/Sun), 2.30pm (Sat/Sun)
JAMES BOND: NO TIME TO DIE (12A)
4.15pm (Sat/Wed), 7.45pm (not Fri), 8pm (Fri)
RON’S GONE WRONG (PG)
10am (Sat), 12.30pm (Sat/Sun)
DUNE 2D (12A)
4.30pm (Sun/Mon/Tue/Thu), 5.15pm (Fri/Sat/Wed)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2 (PG)
9.50am (Sat), 1pm (Sat/Sun)
SILVERSCREEN
ETERNALS (12A)
11.30am (Wed)
KIDS’ CLUB
PAW PATROL MOVIE (U)
10.15am (Sat/Sun)
SUBTITLED PERFORMANCE
SPENCER (12A)
8.30pm (Mon)
SUPPORTIVE SHOWING
PAW PATROL MOVIE (U)
10am (Sun)
SHOWTIMES
South Holland Centre
(Fri, Nov 12 to Thurs, Nov 18)
LAST NIGHT IN SOHO (18)
2pm (Sun), 7.30pm (Fri/Sat/Sun)
THE LAST DUEL (18)
2pm (Wed), 7.30pm (Wed/Thurs)
