“Eternity”

It’s not every day you come across a refreshingly original romantic comedy that makes you laugh, cry, and reflect on the cosmic weight of love and memory, but “Eternity” pulls off that trifecta with style, heart, and just the right amount of snark. Tender, funny, and beautifully bittersweet, this poignant fantasy / dramedy from director David Freyne is one of the most unexpectedly moving films of the year. I dare you to watch this one and not shed a tear.

Set in a surreal version of the afterlife, the story centers on Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) and Larry (Miles Teller), a long-married couple who die within days of each other and reunite in a transitional space between life and whatever comes next. Every soul here is given one week to decide where and with whom they want to spend eternity with, a choice that’s a bit complicated when Joan’s first husband and war hero Luke (Callum Turner) reappears after decades of waiting for her.

At first glance, it feels like a classic rom-com setup with a love triangle, but the twist that the stakes are eternal adds a complex layer. It’s a clever premise that’s taken to a deeper level that explores the question of how do humans measure love? Is it the excitement of young love or the resilience of years of companionship? Of lifetime milestones or fiery passion? That idea of who should be your partner in the hereafter is handled with a surprising amount of emotional sophistication.

The performances are excellent across the board. Olsen is wonderful at capturing the internal conflict of a woman torn between a long ago love frozen in time and a lifetime of shared experience with another man, capturing Joan with grace, humor, and an emotional complexity that anchors the film. Turner brings a soulful charm to Luke, the forever young first love who represents the promise of a life that could’ve been. And Teller delivers one of his most understated performances as Larry, a man who knows he can’t compete with the fantasy of “what if?,” but whose love is built on years of lived experience and sacrifice. I instantly fell in love with all three of these lead characters, and you will, too.

The screenplay is a gem, sharp and funny with a delightful streak of sarcasm that keeps the sentimentality in check. The humor lands effortlessly, and there’s a quiet intelligence behind every joke. The tone reminds me of “Defending Your Life” blended with “The Good Place,” but with an originality that finds the perfect balance of wit and warmth. This is the type of film that is playful without ever undercutting its own sincerity, with humor that is sharp but never cruel, and moments of melancholic reflection that really hit home.

Moving, funny, and gently profound, “Eternity” is a classic story about choice, memory, and time. It has an absolutely beautiful message that sticks to the formula of a typical rom-com, yet drapes it in deeply philosophical questions. Whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between, this story of eternal love (and eternal decisions) will find a place in your heart. It certainly did in mine.

By: Louisa Moore