.jpg "Eternals (2021)") |
| Eternals (2021) |
Eternals (2021): The Immortal Heroes Who Shaped the Marvel Universe
Keywords: Eternals 2021, Marvel Studios, MCU Phase 4, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Celestials, Marvel superheroes, Eternals movie review, Chloé Zhao, Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Introduction
When Eternals (2021) was released by Marvel Studios, it introduced a completely new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — one that explored humanity, immortality, and cosmic purpose. Directed by Chloé Zhao, who won an Academy Award for Nomadland, the film brought a unique and poetic vision to the superhero genre.
Unlike any other Marvel movie before it, Eternals dives deep into philosophy, love, and identity — asking the ultimate question: what does it mean to be human when you’re immortal?
The Story of Eternals
The story begins thousands of years ago, long before the Avengers, when ten immortal beings known as the Eternals are sent to Earth by a cosmic entity called Arishem the Celestial. Their mission: to protect humanity from monstrous creatures known as the Deviants.
After centuries of battle, the Deviants seem defeated, and the Eternals live quietly among humans — influencing art, culture, and civilization without revealing their true nature.
However, as the modern world evolves, a new threat emerges, forcing the Eternals to reunite after centuries apart. They must face not only the return of the Deviants but also the truth about their own creation and the destiny they were designed to fulfill.
The Eternals Team and Their Powers
Each Eternal possesses unique abilities that make them powerful in different ways. Together, they represent unity, diversity, and the complexity of existence.
-
Sersi (Gemma Chan): The film’s emotional core. She can manipulate matter, transforming objects into different materials. Sersi believes in humanity’s potential more than any other Eternal.
-
Ikaris (Richard Madden): The most powerful warrior among the group, capable of flight and shooting cosmic energy beams from his eyes. His loyalty to Arishem creates internal conflict.
-
Thena (Angelina Jolie): A fierce and graceful warrior who can summon weapons from cosmic energy. Thena struggles with Mahd Wy’ry, a memory disorder that causes her to relive past lives.
-
Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani): A charismatic Eternal who hides among humans as a Bollywood superstar. He provides humor and heart to the story.
-
Sprite (Lia McHugh): Appears as a child but possesses the wisdom of centuries. She can create lifelike illusions and longs to experience adulthood.
-
Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry): A genius inventor who helps humanity advance technologically. His character also represents Marvel’s first openly gay superhero.
-
Makkari (Lauren Ridloff): The fastest Eternal, portrayed by a deaf actress, bringing inclusivity and representation to the MCU.
-
Druig (Barry Keoghan): Possesses the power to control minds, struggling with moral questions about free will.
-
Gilgamesh (Don Lee): A loyal protector with immense strength, deeply connected to Thena.
-
Ajak (Salma Hayek): The wise leader and spiritual guide of the Eternals, chosen by Arishem to communicate with him directly.
Together, these characters form a diverse family of immortals who question their purpose and challenge their creators.
The Celestials and the True Purpose
In Eternals (2021), we learn that Arishem the Celestial created the Eternals to ensure the birth of new Celestials. These cosmic beings are responsible for the creation of entire galaxies, but their birth comes at a devastating cost — the destruction of the planet that nurtures them.
The Eternals eventually discover that Earth itself harbors a sleeping Celestial named Tiamut, whose emergence would annihilate humanity.
This revelation forces the team to make a choice: obey their creator and allow the birth of Tiamut, or defy their purpose and save Earth.
The conflict between duty and love for humanity forms the heart of the story, making Eternals one of Marvel’s most thought-provoking films.
Visuals and Cinematography
Directed by Chloé Zhao, known for her naturalistic visual style, Eternals stands out for its breathtaking cinematography.
Shot across real-world locations from the deserts of Jordan to the forests of England, the movie avoids the typical CGI-heavy look of most superhero films. Instead, it embraces real landscapes and natural lighting, creating an almost poetic atmosphere.
Every frame feels like a painting — vast, emotional, and filled with awe. Zhao’s approach makes Eternals not just a superhero movie, but an epic cinematic experience.
Themes: Humanity, Immortality, and Faith
At its core, Eternals (2021) is not about saving the world from villains — it’s about understanding what it means to care for the world.
1. Humanity
Despite their immortality, the Eternals admire humans for their emotions, creativity, and ability to love despite pain and imperfection.
2. Immortality and Purpose
Living for thousands of years gives the Eternals time to witness the rise and fall of civilizations, but it also creates emotional fatigue. They struggle with loneliness, guilt, and doubt.
3. Faith vs. Free Will
The film questions blind faith — should one always obey their creator, or should they follow their conscience? The Eternals’ rebellion against Arishem symbolizes freedom through compassion.
Love and Relationships
Love plays a central role in Eternals.
-
Sersi and Ikaris share a love story that spans centuries, tested by betrayal and ideology.
-
Phastos and his husband highlight family and acceptance, showcasing Marvel’s first LGBTQ+ couple.
-
Thena and Gilgamesh’s bond is built on loyalty and care rather than romance — a refreshing take on emotional connection.
These relationships add emotional depth, reminding viewers that even immortals crave love and belonging.
Cultural Diversity and Representation
Marvel’s Eternals celebrates global diversity like never before. The cast represents different nationalities, languages, and abilities, making it one of the most inclusive superhero films ever made.
-
Lauren Ridloff, as Makkari, brings visibility to the deaf community.
-
Brian Tyree Henry’s Phastos showcases LGBTQ+ representation.
-
The international cast reflects the idea that humanity — in all its forms — deserves to be protected.
This diversity not only enriches the film but also aligns perfectly with modern audiences’ values of equality and inclusivity.
Action and Visual Effects
While Eternals leans heavily on emotion and philosophy, it doesn’t forget its action roots. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, emphasizing each Eternal’s unique abilities.
-
The battle against Deviants in the Amazon highlights teamwork and tension.
-
The London museum attack brings the story to life with fast-paced, stunning visuals.
-
The final confrontation with Ikaris on the volcanic island delivers emotional weight as well as spectacle.
The visual effects team created cosmic powers that feel distinct from other Marvel heroes — elegant, radiant, and filled with mythic energy.
Music and Soundtrack
Composed by Ramin Djawadi (famous for Game of Thrones), the score captures the grandeur and mystery of the Eternals.
From haunting melodies to epic orchestral themes, the music enhances every emotional and visual beat, perfectly blending with Zhao’s cinematic style.
Critical Reception
When Eternals (2021) premiered, it divided critics and audiences. Some praised its ambition and emotional depth, while others felt it was too slow or philosophical for a Marvel movie.
However, over time, many viewers came to appreciate its bold storytelling, mature tone, and stunning visuals. It remains one of the most artistically daring films in the MCU.
Despite mixed reviews, Eternals earned over $400 million worldwide and introduced new mythologies that will shape future Marvel stories.
Connections to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Although Eternals stands alone as its own saga, it also expands the cosmic side of the MCU.
Mid-Credit Scene:
Thena, Makkari, and Druig are visited by Eros (Harry Styles), the brother of Thanos, who offers to help them find other Eternals in the universe.
Post-Credit Scene:
Dane Whitman (Kit Harington), Sersi’s human boyfriend, discovers a mysterious sword — hinting at his future transformation into the Black Knight.
These teasers confirm that Eternals will play a major role in shaping Marvel’s cosmic future, possibly connecting with Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Why Eternals (2021) Is Unique in the MCU
Unlike other Marvel movies driven by fast-paced humor or constant battles, Eternals takes time to breathe. It reflects on life, death, and creation — presenting superheroes as philosophers, not just fighters.
Chloé Zhao’s direction gives it a spiritual and emotional tone rarely seen in comic book films. It’s a movie that asks questions rather than just providing answers, and that makes it unforgettable.
Conclusion
Eternals (2021) stands as one of the most ambitious and visually stunning entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It explores profound questions about humanity, purpose, and morality while delivering breathtaking visuals and powerful performances.
Through characters like Sersi, Ikaris, and Thena, the movie reminds us that even immortals must make choices that define who they truly are.
Whether you love it for its emotion, diversity, or cosmic scale, Eternals is a Marvel masterpiece that dares to be different — a story about gods who learned to be human.
SEO Summary:
Eternals (2021) is Marvel’s epic cosmic tale of immortal heroes who secretly shaped human history. Directed by Chloé Zhao, it stars Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, and Angelina Jolie in a visually stunning, thought-provoking story about love, purpose, and sacrifice.
Keywords: Eternals 2021, Marvel Studios, MCU Phase 4, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Celestials, Chloé Zhao, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel superheroes, Eternals review.
.jpg)
