Eternity 2025 Review

Eternity is a film that blends heartfelt emotion with warm and clever comedy in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. It opens with a moving premise where Joan, an elderly woman, passes away and wakes up in the afterlife. She arrives expecting closure and peace but instead she is confronted with an impossible decision. She must choose who she wants to spend her eternity with. Her first husband was the love of her youth and died serving in the war when they were young and full of hope. Her second husband was her long-term partner who built a home with her, raised a family with her and loved her for more than sixty years. Joan can only choose one and once she chooses her decision is permanent.

The entire film revolves around this emotional dilemma, and it is handled with sensitivity, humour and surprising depth. It becomes its own version of the classic trolley problem where no option feels right yet both options feel meaningful. Some moments make you root for her first husband because the romance of what could have been hits hard. Other moments gently remind you of the deep companionship and steady love she shared with her second husband. The film never forces a moral lesson and never tells the audience who to favour. It simply presents both possibilities honestly and trusts you to feel the weight of her choice.

The production design is stunning. The afterlife is imagined with a blend of retro charm and modern clarity that feels unique and inviting. Velvet sofas, pastel colours and dreamy cloud like rooms sit effortlessly beside modern lighting and crisp contemporary textures. The world feels whimsical and nostalgic while also polished and cinematic. Nothing looks cheap or rushed. Every room has detail and personality without distracting from the story.

The acting is exceptional. Elizabeth Olsen plays Joan and delivers a nuanced and emotional performance that feels lived in. Her small expressions do most of the heavy lifting. Her hesitation, her longing, her flashes of joy and her moments of grief all land perfectly. (Miles Teller) Larry and (Calum Turner) Luke the husbands bring warmth and sincerity to their roles. The first husband carries that spark of youthful romance while the second husband reflects decades of shared life and quiet devotion. The supporting cast adds charm throughout the film with quirky guides, afterlife residents and family members who bring humour without breaking the tone. The cinematography and lighting elevate the entire experience. There is a soft glow to the visuals that mirrors Joan’s emotional journey. The camera often lingers on faces just long enough for the audience to feel what the characters feel. When Joan revisits memories the lighting shifts with intention and the film becomes almost dreamlike. Nothing is over lit or over stylised. It all feels calm, gentle and human which is rare for a film set beyond the physical world.

One of the biggest surprises is how funny the film is. The writing is sharp and witty but never forced. The comedy comes naturally from character interactions and small truthful moments. You will laugh without feeling like the film is trying too hard. Just as quickly you will be moved by something tender or painful. That mix of humour and emotion is handled beautifully.

What makes Eternity stand out is how grounded it feels despite its supernatural setting. The afterlife is not used for spectacle or rules or theology. Instead, it becomes a backdrop for a story about memory, relationships and the meaning of love. The film explores how our choices shape us and how our connections define us. It is not about death. It is about the lives we build and the people we hold onto.

The writing is tight and thoughtful. Every scene matters. The final act lands with quiet emotional strength. Joan’s final decision is treated with honesty and care. As the audience they really make you root for either husband.

In a world full of loud formulaic blockbusters Eternity feels refreshing. It is gentle, smart and full of heart. It knows exactly what it wants to be and it never tries to be anything else. It is the kind of film you keep thinking about long after the credits end. You will reflect on your own life, your relationships and the choices that define who you are.

I give Eternity a strong 8.5 out of 10. It is emotional, funny, visually gorgeous and beautifully written. One of the most moving and original films of the year.