Eternity Movie Review

A24 is giving us a look at the “thrupple.” With “Eternity,” we see it in the afterlife. I’m ahead of myself. In this film, we’re given an end-of-life scenario where you get a week to decide where you want to spend eternity… where you want to be forever… the rest of time. ​

What that would be like, you decide, but I’m sure you can surmise it’s a long time to be in one place if you’re not happy about who you’re with. Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) has another decision to make. We meet her and her second husband, Larry (played by Miles Teller), who have spent over 60 years together and seem to get along very well, but we don’t see them for long before Larry chokes on a pretzel and passes away.

Once he does, he awakens in “the junction” and is met by an “After Life Coordinator” who has to bring him up to speed and introduce him to his new reality. Her name is Anna, played by the marvelous Da’Vine Joy Randolph. She makes this already fascinating story even more delightful to watch. Larry’s happy someone is there to help, and he’s also excited to see that his appearance falls at a time in his life when he was happiest, which is usually when people are much younger. The filmmakers have a lot of fun with this concept. That is, older people can squat again!!

One thing Larry isn’t happy about. Joan isn’t in the junction. How can he spend eternity somewhere without her? He can’t. She was ill, so Larry knows it’s very possible she won’t be far behind him. This being the case, why not wait for her? He decides that’s exactly what he’s going to do.

Joan does show up and has an “After Life Coordinator,” as well. His name is Ryan, played by John Early. His scenes are magnificent. He and Da’Vine are so good in their roles that they draw the attention away from anyone they’re playing opposite of. Every moment they’re on screen is hysterical, and they’re a true pleasure to watch. Pay attention to the signs in the background as these two walk around with their charges.

Joan sees Larry, and it makes her so happy! She will spend eternity with him, for sure. Not so fast! Because, out of nowhere, here comes first husband Luke, who has been waiting sixty-seven years for her to show up. They were married when they were very young, before he was shipped off to fight in the Korean War, where he died. Joan loved him very much, but Larry gave her children. Of the two, who wins her eternity? Larry worries.

The sort of purgatory they’re in called for better set design. Many scenes are shot there, so the filmmakers should have done more with the junction. What they have, though, does get the message across, but they didn’t use much of the budget here. It could have looked better. But! It could be on purpose. You’re at a point when you’re between worlds, and you’re meant to move on, not have joy here, so comfort isn’t necessary.

This was a sharply written script, and the characters are well-developed. I enjoyed this movie, and you will, too. What’s not to like about a film that takes you to the afterlife, that place we’ve all wondered about, especially if you find you get pretty much everything you want. “Eternity” has more than one thing about it that makes you think of the Albert Brooks film, “Defending Your Life.” And, that’s not a bad thing.

Watch this at the theater this holiday season. If family isn’t around, maybe wait for cable. For more fun, watch it with your significant other.