Eternals

In the realm of Marvel's sprawling cinematic universe, the spotlight shines brightly on the monumental film, Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao. This spectacle weaves an intricate tale of an ancient race of beings, tasked with safeguarding the world from threats both human and otherworldly. The story unfolds on a cosmic scale, with the sprawling narrative tracing the origins of the Eternals, an immortal group of beings created by the celestial giant, Arishem, to protect the Earth from harm. For millennia, these superpowered beings reside on our planet, blending seamlessly into human society, leading secretive lifestyles as they observe and intervene in human affairs. Central to this drama are the Eternals themselves – Ikaris (Richard Madden), a brooding and enigmatic warrior; Thena (Angelina Jolie), an ancient and all-knowing archer; Ajak (Salma Hayek), the group's spiritual leader; Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), a speedster and guardian; Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), a flamboyant and charismatic warrior-mage; Sersi (Gemma Chan), a gentle soul with a strong protective instinct; Sprite (Lia McHugh), Ikaris' adopted daughter; Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), a genius inventor and tinkerer; and Dane Whitman (Kit Harington), an ancestral descendant of the Eternals. Their quiet existence is disrupted by the emergence of the Deviants, grotesque creatures born from Arishem's wrath, which represents a ticking time bomb for humanity. These monstrous beings have long been dormant, waiting for the fateful day when they'll disrupt the fine balance between Eternals and humans, plunging the world into cataclysmic chaos. When a brutal attack by the Deviants strikes the planet, a catastrophic event heralding Armageddon, the Eternals find themselves thrust out of their hiding places, shattering the intricate veil of secrecy that has isolated them from humanity for centuries. The invasion by the Deviants ignites a catastrophic confluence of nature and human history, compelling the isolated Eternals to reunite once more to confront an ancient threat that has been buried for eons. Act I explores the re-emergence of the Eternals in modern times, with each character taking center stage. Sersi forms a close bond with Dane, a man with a storied family legacy in the annals of human history. Ajak and Ikaris have some emotionally charged conversations about the old ways, while Makkari grapples with personal and timeless moral dilemmas. Meanwhile, Thena's wisdom serves as a reminder that these venerable beings have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations – and seen fate writ large across civilizations like humanity's canvas. The action erupts with breathtaking ferocity as the Eternals stand shoulder-to-shoulder to meet the threat of the Deviants. With cosmic energy bursting forth, heroism and hope face off against the shadows of the past, inviting audiences to ponder deeper questions about the consequences of Eternals actions for human history – beyond their isolated detachment. Despite this cosmic stakes, Chloé Zhao manages to imbue each Eternals member with a tangible humanistic sense of desperation, drawing deeper from the complexities of love, family and, humanity, reminding audiences that beneath extraterrestrial skin, mortal vulnerability awaits – even if each immortal eternal remains resistant to organic human troubles. In addition to offering a new dimension to the Eternals universe, the film gives an energetic tribute to their intricate backstories, symbolizing rich relationships formed across countless eras and with love that conquers time. Chloé Zhao expands the film's scope, examining recurring echoes of Eternals' experiences on planet Earth across countless civilizations. Bringing the past and present together is a testament to the power that connects the individual pieces of this sprawling tapestry. Every temporal fragment must form an essential part in telling the evolving and in a perpetual coming-together. Bringing balance to human history, in balance, represents their intrinsic human (eternal) truth – no matter the form they wear.