What happens after we die is perhaps the ultimate mystery, one that has inspired artists and philosophers for centuries. The new film Eternity, directed by David Freyne, tackles this age-old question with a fresh, witty, and ultimately poignant twist. Rather than asking what comes next, it poses a more personal dilemma: where would you choose to spend forever, and who would you want by your side?
A Premise That Blends Humour and Heart
The story begins with an elderly couple, Larry and Joan, whose long marriage is characterised by familiar bickering underpinned by deep affection. Their lives take a sudden turn when Larry chokes on a pretzel at a family party and dies. He awakens in the Hub, a celestial waiting area, now embodied by his younger self, played by Miles Teller. He is greeted by his Afterlife Coordinator, Anna, portrayed by Da'Vine Joy Randolph.
Anna explains the rules: Larry must select his final, eternal destination from a bewildering array of options presented like a cosmic job fair. The film finds much of its early humour here, showcasing possibilities like Beach World, Library World, and the notably popular Man-Free World. The catch is severe: once you choose, you cannot leave. Attempting to escape results in banishment to the Void.
Knowing his wife Joan is terminally ill, Larry decides to wait for her. She soon arrives, rejuvenated as her beautiful younger self, Elizabeth Olsen, accompanied by her own coordinator, Ryan (John Early). However, their reunion is complicated by the unexpected appearance of Luke (Callum Turner), Joan's first husband who died young in the Korean War and has been waiting for her ever since.
An Eternal Love Triangle
The film deftly shifts from comedy to deeper drama as this love triangle solidifies. Larry and Luke's rivalry is immediate, and neither man wishes to share eternity with the other. This forces Joan into an impossible choice. Does she remain with Larry, the man she shared over six decades of life, marriage, and family? Or does she return to Luke, her first love who was tragically taken from her?
The emotional stakes feel genuinely weighty. Director David Freyne, known for the charming Dating Amber, navigates this fantastical premise to explore very real questions of love, loyalty, and legacy. The performances from the three leads are solid and unshowy, which helps ground the story. The fact that they aren't mega-wattage A-list stars works in the film's favour, making the outcome feel less predetermined and the dilemma more authentic.
A Film of Contrasts and Missed Opportunities
Paradoxically, Eternity feels both too long and too short. At 115 minutes, some of the pacing feels uneven, and the exposition can be clunky. Yet, the rich premise brims with unexplored potential. The concept of people arriving in the afterlife at the age they were happiest—resulting in many children—is a fascinating detail that isn't fully mined. A brief encounter with a boy on a beach hints at deeper poignancy but doesn't quite land with full force.
This is a world that could have easily sustained a limited series, allowing more time to delve into the various afterlife realms and the stories of other souls. The film's ambition is commendable, but it occasionally struggles to balance its comedic setup with the serious emotional consequences of its central choice.
Ultimately, Eternity is a clever, thought-provoking film that uses its high-concept fantasy to ask relatable questions about the bonds that define us. It will likely spark conversations long after the credits roll, prompting viewers to consider what—and who—they would choose for eternity.
