Eternity is the soft echo of a moment that never stops unfolding. But how would it feel to spend an eternity with someone you love? That very idea bends the often-heard vow of “till death do us part,” hinting at something deeper. It is about togetherness that stretches beyond earthly existence.
Life after death is a concept wrapped in mystery, uncertainty, fear, and an endless thread of questions. Yet in the fantasy-comedy Eternity released last week, things take an unexpected turn. Here, romance finds a way to bloom beyond the grave, though in a wonderfully tangled and delightfully complicated way.
As the story goes…
In their 67th year of marriage, Joan and Larry share a relationship that is not free of arguments. This is evident at the very beginning of the film, when they snap at each other in the car on the way to a family gender-reveal party. Joan is suffering from cancer, though this is kept a secret between them.
In one of the most unexpected twists, Larry chokes on a pretzel and passes away. This occurs shortly after he sees a picture of Joan with her first husband, Luke, who died in the Korean War a short time after their wedding.
Unusual happenings after death
Larry finds himself traveling on a train to a destination completely unfamiliar to him. He arrives at a crowded Junction, supposedly the place where he has one week to decide where he wishes to spend his eternity. There is also the option of waiting for someone with whom he wants to share his forever.
Different themes define each eternity, but a person can choose only one. Banishment to the Void is the punishment for anyone who leaves their chosen afterlife. There are no do-overs.
Joan dies not long after Larry and arrives at the Junction herself. There, she also meets Luke, her first husband who has been waiting for her for over six decades since his death.
Joan is given a special offer: she can sample two eternities, spending time separately with Larry and Luke, before making her decision. Larry shared a long life with Joan, through both happy and sad times. Luke, on the other hand, despite loving her intensely, could not fulfill his dreams due to his untimely death.
So, who does Joan choose to spend her eternity with? Watch the film to find out!
The interesting, creative, tidbits
- Unlike Luke, who had died young, Joan and Larry passed away at an old age. Yet they do not arrive at The Junction as elderly people. According to the rules of Eternity, souls appear at the age at which they were the happiest during their lifetime.
- There is an Archives Center, where one can revisit scenes from their life on Earth. This serves as a refresher of the moments they cherished or disliked.
- I found the concept of the Afterlife Coordinator particularly innovative. Every person who arrives at the Junction is assigned an AC, who helps them navigate their choices.
The terrific trio!
Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner beautifully portray Joan, Larry, and Luke. They are convincing as young people, carrying a mixed bag of emotions with them. It is genuinely funny to watch Larry and Luke become jealous of each other, struggling with their insecurities regarding Joan.
Betty Buckley as older Joan and Barry Primus as older Larry have limited screen time, yet they leave a lasting impression. The silly reasons for which they get cranky and irritated with each other feel so typical of couples at that age.
A Timeless Tangle of Hearts
Director David Freyne, who co-writes the script with Pat Cunnane, does a remarkable job of introducing the weighty concept of life after death. He handles it with such craft that it never feels burdensome for the audience.
Although the film is wrapped in fantasy and fiction, its ending subtly highlights the intricacies of human relationships. It brings forward those moments when we face impossible choices. There are times when there is no clear right or wrong and doing what feels necessary might risk hurting someone we deeply love. In the end, the film is about much more than otherworldly realms or magic; it’s about the courage it takes to stand for something while keeping in mind the people who matter the most.
Eternity is a refreshing take on the love triangle, one that leaves you with a warm, feel-good glow.
rashmi writes 