As someone who cherishes films that weave fresh narratives with authenticity, Eternity hit me right in the soul. Directed and written by David Freyne, this afterlife rom-com isn’t just a clever “what if” premise—it’s an exploration of love’s enduring heartbeat, the roads not taken, and the quiet courage it takes to choose. This A24 gem stands out for its originality, reminding me why a singular creative vision can transform a high-concept story into something profoundly personal and resonant.
The story follows newly departed souls who arrive at the whimsical “Junction,” where they have just one week to select their eternal paradise before committing forever. For Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), it’s not the options that overwhelm, but the two men waiting on either side: her devoted husband of 65 years, Larry (Miles Teller), with whom she built a full, messy life, and her first love, Luke (Callum Turner), the soldier who slipped away too soon, patiently lingering in the ether for decades. Freyne’s script dives deep into this impossible triangle without ever feeling contrived, blending in laugh-out-loud absurdity (those afterlife coordinators, played to perfection by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early). It’s reminiscent of Albert Brooks’ Defending Your Life in its witty take on the great beyond, but Freyne infuses it with a modern tenderness.
Olsen is a revelation as Joan, her eyes conveying a lifetime of joy, regret, and unspoken longing in a single glance; you root for her even as your heart aches with hers. Teller brings a grounded warmth to Larry, while Turner’s Luke carries a wistful idealism that’s equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. The ensemble rounds it out beautifully, with Randolph stealing scenes as the no-nonsense guide who dishes wisdom alongside zingers.
And oh, the score—it’s the unsung hero here. A delicate tapestry of sounds that underscore every emotional beat without ever overpowering. In a movie about forever, these musical cues make time feel both fleeting and infinite. Freyne’s dual role as writer-director shines through in every frame; there’s a cohesive intimacy that only comes from one voice steering the ship, much like how Greta Gerwig or Noah Baumbach infuse their worlds with personal truth.
Eternity is a delightful, inventive triumph: funny, moving, and utterly original. If stories of the heart wrapped in fantasy are your jam, this one’s essential viewing.
Now showing at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX.
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