Key Highlights
- The film “Eternity” stars Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, and Miles Teller in a clever, charming story about love and decision-making after death.
- Set in the Junction, a comically ordinary hotel/convention center, Joan Cutler must choose between her two deceased husbands before time runs out.
- The film delivers on its promise of imaginative and whimsical storytelling with an utterly charming cast.
- Directed by David Freyne and written by Patrick Cunnane, “Eternity” offers a contained, crowd-pleaser that is both committed and cleverly simple.
The Plot Unfolds at the Junction Hotel
In the afterlife, Joan Cutler (Elizabeth Olsen) faces an impossible decision. She has one week to choose between two deceased husbands: Luke (Callum Turner), a dashing man who died in the Korean War, and Larry (Miles Teller), her long-time married companion for 65 years.
The film opens with Joan and Larry as octogenarians on their way to a family party. They bicker over trivial matters like going to the beach or mountains, reflecting an exhausting partnership that leaves them seemingly satisfied together despite occasional conflicts.
Characters and Settings
“Eternity” is set in the Junction, a hotel/convention center where recently departed souls shop for their afterlife. Here, Joan meets her afterlife coordinator Ryan (John Early) and Luke’s coordinator Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). The options are vast and amusingly specific: Paris Land, Studio 54 World, Mountain Town, Weimar World with 100% less Nazis! The story is anchored by screenwriter Patrick Cunnane and director David Freyne, who bring the narrative to life through a mix of humor and poignant moments.
Performances and Themes
Olsen delivers a nuanced performance as Joan, channeling an old soul in a young body. Larry’s holdover week is nearly up when Joan arrives at the Junction where her AC, Ryan (Early), says he has been waiting for her for 67 years. The ultimate romantic gesture unfolds as Joan encounters her dashing first love, and Larry looks on, baffled.
Teller, in an egoless performance, portrays the obvious underdog as Larry.
Turner is also committed and enjoyable as Luke, though his character feels a bit less fleshed out due to his youth when he died in the war. The film explores themes of choice, commitment, and the complexity of human relationships.
A Contained, Crowd-Pleaser
“Eternity” is committed, clever, and comforting simplicity, satisfying for its contained narrative. It does not overextend itself and remains true to its premise, making it a delightful watch with a charming cast led by Olsen, Turner, and Teller.
The film’s PG-13 rating comes from sexual content and some strong language. Running at 112 minutes, “Eternity” offers three stars out of four as a well-executed, imaginative comedy that leaves viewers thinking about the nature of love and choice in an afterlife setting.
By Lindsey Bahr
Updated: November 24, 2025
