Synopsis: In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.
If you were to examine your life, from birth to now, at what age do you think you were the happiest? It’s interesting to ponder because you never knew in that moment that it would be the greatest moment you would ever experience. It’s not like you can compare moments of joy in real-time. Was it when you were 14 and got that PlayStation you’d been begging for? Maybe when you were 21 and saw your favorite artist in concert. Perhaps it was the birth of your child or your wedding day. And even if you believe your life has been nothing but an endless buffet of anguish and disappointment, there’s always a bite-sized amount of glee. Funnily enough, regardless of what you may think is your happiest time, you’re probably mistaken. From the outside looking in, the universe or whatever higher power that may exist would probably have picked an age that you never expected. Just remember to be as present as possible because your happiest age could be now.
“Eternity is a long time to have regrets.”
The end may be sad, difficult, and depressing, but choosing the wrong eternity will literally ruin your life. Well, your afterlife. Co-written and directed by David Freyne, Eternity is not just a rom-com; it’s a rom-com to die for. This laugh-filled Limbo is absurdly clever and endlessly entertaining. Featuring an enchanting ensemble cast and a thought-provoking, highly creative concept, the introspective affair is sophisticated, intuitively engaging, and funnier than expected. With its immersive production design and sharp script, this is one of the best comedies of the year.
Immediately reminiscent of The Good Place, Eternity delves into the one topic we all have in common that, at some point, torments our conscience and entire existence: death. The film explores what our afterlife could be like. It asks the big questions about heaven and hell, who is in control, and what a soul is; however, it’s not here to give you the answer. Like us, it is simply curious while offering a truly intriguing possibility.
As we follow the newly deceased Larry (Miles Teller) to a train station of sorts, exuberantly filled with the recently expired and doorways to their final destinations. In all the confusion and commotion, you are greeted by your Afterlife Coordinator and given a somewhat daunting task: choose an afterlife destination to live out eternity. Choosing your forever isn’t necessarily difficult, but the amount of time you have to decide is. The myriad of choices is incredibly specific and oftentimes funny. Ranging from weather and year preferences to hobbies and ideologies, there is a perfect eternity for everyone. There’s Queerworld, Capitalist World, one where everyone is nude, and even one free of men. The other caveat is that once you choose and enter a doorway, there is no switching.
“I’ve been waiting sixty-seven years for this golden goose.”
Larry has an idea of where he wants to go, but would like to wait for his wife, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen). However, in a grimly romantic twist, Luke, his wife’s late ex-husband, has been waiting for decades for the opportunity to join her for eternity, a fact he remains blissfully unaware of. This is when the fun begins. As it explores the complexities of love and relationships, time is taken to contemplate existence and happiness with energy and wit. It all leads to the most important question of all: who will Joan choose?
Perfectly balancing hilarious and heartfelt, Eternity manages to be insightful and captivating from start to finish. Blending elder sensibilities and a modern lens, this story transcends generations. It’s self-aware, speaks from the heart, and isn’t attempting to reinvent the wheel. In its efforts to be authentic, an instant hit is born. It’s technically sound, the score is vivacious, and the Freyne direction is top-notch. The date night movie has just been chosen for you. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
Despite an almost 2-hour runtime, the film has the pace of an early 2000s rom-com. With a somewhat lengthy yet funny setup, a soft and introspective middle, the story flows unabated to an exceptional ending. What really pops are the characters Anna and Ryan. Both are Afterlife Coordinators and both are hilarious. Whether alone in a scene or together, their comedic chops are undeniable.
Character & Chemistry
Starring: Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, John Early, Olga Merediz,
and Da’Vine Joy Randolph
In true ensemble form, choosing one performance that outshines the rest is a difficult task. Playing characters that are older than they appear, Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, and Callum Turner remind you of both your old relatives and the young, attractive people that they are. The chemistry is charming and warm, but also quite amusing. And with Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early around every corner, the laughs are in abundance. This is a cast that I didn’t expect to work as well as it does.
Eternity releases in theaters on November 26, 2025. Stay safe and don’t eat the pretzels.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 54m Director: David Freyne Screenplay: Pat Cunnane, David Freyne Producers: Tim White, Trevor White Director of Photography: Ruairí O’Brien, BSC, ISC Production Design: Zazu Myers Editor: Joe Sawyer Costume Design: Angus Strathie Music: David Fleming
Eternity is not just a rom-com; it’s a rom-com to die for. This laugh-filled Limbo is absurdly clever and endlessly entertaining. With its immersive production design and sharp script, this is one of the best comedies of the year.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
