Eternity Review: A Promising Concept Hindered by a Predictable Triangle
An all-star fantasy-drama about choosing eternal life, Eternity blends a lush afterlife setting with a love triangle that often sidesteps its deeper questions.
The fantasy drama Eternity arrives with a star-packed cast and a high-concept premise about life after death. Set in a luminous, dreamlike afterlife known as The Crossroads, the story centers on a couple in their 60s facing a life-altering choice. The result is a warm, charming melodrama that, at times, leans on romance rather than philosophical depth.
About the film
- Original title: Eternity
- Country of production: United States
- Genres: Fantasy, drama, romance, comedy
- Release date: December 18, 2025
- Running time: 2 hours 53 minutes
- Director: David Freyne
- Stars: Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, Davain Joy Randolph, Betty Buckley, John Early
Larry and Joan enjoyed more than six decades of marriage before Larry dies and wakes in a place that feels like a surreal hotel for souls. Here, every traveler must choose where to spend eternity. Options range from carefree leisure to rugged nature to endless parties, but Larry’s heart leans toward reuniting with his wife.
Joan, who faced illness in life, also arrives in The Crossroads and soon meets Luke—her first husband who died in battle and has waited there for many years. Now she must decide between a stable, long-standing connection and the intense, remembered passion of her first love.
As a shared premise, the film explores the weight of love, memory, and the fear of starting over. Yet the universe of The Crossroads remains underused; it feels like a promising backdrop that doesn’t fully unfold its potential.
In the foreground, the plot centers on decisions about eternity, but the narrative often tilts toward the needs of the two men vying for the heroine’s hand. The film acknowledges the heroine’s autonomy only briefly, and the ultimate choice is framed through romantic competition rather than a deeper personal conclusion.
Why the premise feels uneven
One core issue is a premise that asks a woman to choose between two male suitors, rather than inviting her to imagine life after death on her own terms. The Crossroads offers a playful, tourist-board style of Afterlife, with brochures and bright settings, but the storytelling keeps returning to the love triangle rather than delving into the ethical or existential questions the concept promises.
The supporting characters—played by Davain Joy Randolph and John Early—provide welcome warmth and humor, helping the film avoid cold sentimentality. Still, the central drama rarely gains momentum, and the late emotional turns feel predictable rather than revelatory. Some tender moments touch on aging and loss, offering a human pulse amid the lighter, satirical touches of the afterlife setup.
Performance, visuals, and pacing
Elizabeth Olsen brings quiet grace to Joan, while Miles Teller delivers earnest emotion in Larry’s scenes. Callum Turner brings a roguish charm to Luke, and the supporting cast adds sparkle with well-timed humor. Visually, the Crossroads is bright and candy-colored, hinting at a dreamlike logic rather than a strict reality. However, as the narrative accelerates toward its ending, the pacing becomes uneven and the overall mood shifts from intimate drama to a more conventional romance.
There are moments when the film nods to kinetic, Wes Anderson-like whimsy or the sense of a guided dream, yet these moments feel brief and sometimes underused. The result is a movie that is pleasant to watch but too easily forgettable once the credits roll.
Expert perspective
Film critic Jane Carter notes that the performances keep the experience engaging, but she adds that a stronger exploration of the afterlife concept could have elevated the material beyond a familiar love triangle. She suggests a bolder, more imaginative world-building would have given the emotional arcs greater resonance.
Summary
Eternity delivers charm through a capable cast and a visually appealing afterlife setting, yet its central premise is not fully realized. The story remains light, with moments of genuine warmth and humor, but the emotional payoff is modest. Viewers who enjoy romantic melodrama with a dreamy backdrop may find it enjoyable once, while others might wish for a deeper, more thought-provoking exploration of eternity.
The film works best when focusing on human connections, aging, and the longing to be remembered. Its gentle humor and sincere performances offer a comforting experience, even as the overarching concept stays underdeveloped.
Key insight: A luminous cast and an intriguing concept cannot fully rescue a story that does not deeply explore its own idea of eternity.
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