If we’re lucky, we find someone to share our life with. But what happens when that life here is over? How will we spend eternity? Will we be together with them forever? What if they weren’t the only option?
That’s some of the big questions tackled in Eternity, a new romantic comedy opening just in time for Thanksgiving. It takes a look at the afterlife, examining a scenario will have viewers hooked and torn. It’s an engaging and romantic ride for those looking for a holiday outing with one they love.
The film centers on Larry and Joan, who’ve been married for 65 years. They’ve built a life together. They are attending a family gathering with children and grandchildren, when Joan is given a photo of her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), who passed away during the Korean War. It’s just at that moment that Larry chokes and awakes on a train.
Except it isn’t Larry as we’ve first seen him. Now Larry (Miles Teller) is younger. He’s on a train to a station in the afterlife. As his Afterlife Coordinator, Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), soon explains he has died. Now, he has to choose where to spend eternity. But Larry doesn’t care where he ends up, as long as Joan is there. The question is how long he’ll have to wait.
Just as Larry has made a decision and is on his way to set things up, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) arrives too. She also is her younger self but is less overwhelmed by what’s happened. Her Afterlife Coordinator, Ryan (John Early), is excited she’s finally arrived. While Joan is happy to be reunited with Larry, a new wrinkle emerges.
One of Ryan’s earlier clients, Luke, is there and has waited decades for Joan to arrive. He, too, wants to spend eternity with his love. Now, Joan is faced with a choice. Does she pick her first love, Luke, or the man she spent her life with, Larry?
This is an interesting twist on the format. It isn’t exactly a pure comedy, though there are plenty of funny moments. In particular, Randolph and Early are a delight opposite each other. They bring a lot of fun and humor to these roles, which lightens a somewhat serious idea.
But the crux of the story is about these three people. Larry represents a life well lived. Luke represents possibility and a bit of regret. With Joan caught between the two and trying to decide what she really wants. That leads to some interesting, amusing, and emotional sequences.
Teller and Turner are great here. They bring some fun to Larry and Luke and have some nice sequences opposite each other. Both also have some nice sequences opposite Olsen, who carries the narrative beautifully here. It’s a tough premise but it’s explored in a rich and engaging way. For those who enjoy a good romantic story, this is worth checking out.
Eternity now playing in theaters.
Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.





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