Eternity | Review
A heartfelt, charming, and surprisingly emotional spin on the modern rom-com — funny, thoughtful, and genuinely moving in ways I didn’t expect.
Director: David Freyne
Writers: Pat Cunnane & David Freyne
Genre: Fantasy, Romantic Comedy
Runtime: 114 minutes
Where to Watch: A24 theatrical release (UK release: Friday, December 5, 2025)
Studios: A24, Apple Original Films, Star Thrower Entertainment
Quick Verdict:
A heartfelt, charming, and surprisingly emotional spin on the modern rom-com — funny, thoughtful, and genuinely moving in ways I didn’t expect.
Going into Eternity, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. I’d seen the trailer a few times in the cinema before other films and thought, “Oh, that looks sweet.” Cute idea, nice cast, probably a pleasant enough time.
But what I actually got? One of my favourite films of the entire year.
The setup alone feels like it shouldn’t work: a woman has to choose who she wants to spend eternity with — her first husband, who died tragically in the Korean War, or the second husband she built an entire life with. No matter what she decides (or who), someone gets hurt. And somehow the film turns that impossible emotional puzzle into something beautifully human.
Story & Writing
What surprised me most was how well the film balances humour with heartbreak. The writing is thoughtful without being heavy-handed, and it really digs into the emotional messiness of Olsen’s character — the grief for the life she never got to live, the comfort of the life she built, and that awful tug-of-war between “what could have been” and “what I chose.”
This premise could’ve easily turned cheesy or gimmicky, but instead, it’s handled with so much care. And honestly, it fits right into the new era of rom-coms that need a twist to make them pop — like Palm Springs, Past Lives, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. Eternity doesn’t just join that trend; it elevates it.
Characters & Acting
Elizabeth Olsen is incredible here. She has to play someone slowly unravelling under the weight of an impossible decision, and she makes every ounce of that emotional chaos believable.
Miles Teller, meanwhile, somehow manages to be both annoying and lovable in the exact right proportions — exactly the type of man you could see yourself building a life with, even if he drives you mad sometimes.
Callum Turner brings a soft, nostalgic yearning to Luke that perfectly fits the “lost first love frozen in time” vibe.
But let’s be real: Da’Vine Joy Randolph walks in and absolutely steals the movie. Every scene with her just pops. She’s funny, warm, and somehow manages to make even small moments unforgettable. She’s the film’s secret sauce.
Direction & Cinematography
David Freyne gives the film this dreamy, gentle atmosphere that makes the afterlife feel cosy rather than abstract. And I have to say — I was obsessed with the sky effect in the “waiting room.” The way it shifted between day and night? Stunning.
Ruairí O’Brien’s cinematography is warm and glowing in all the right places. The contrast between the serene “eternities” and the messy, intimate memories of real life adds so much emotional weight without ever feeling over-stylised.
Sound & Score
David Fleming’s score is soft, emotional, and never distracts from the performances. It supports the magical realism perfectly while still keeping the whole thing grounded. The sound design overall is cosy and warm — the film just feels good to listen to.
Themes & Impact
At its core, Eternity is really about love — how it grows, how it changes, and how it shapes us. It asks if the love you lost can ever really be replaced, or if forever is something we choose, build, or stumble into.
It’s tender and surprisingly deep, and it really sticks with you. I left the cinema thinking about the relationships that define us and the ones that could’ve been but never were.
Strengths & Weaknesses
👍 What Worked
Elizabeth Olsen’s layered, heartfelt performance
Da’Vine Joy Randolph absolutely stealing the show
A genuinely fresh take on the rom-com formula
Emotional depth handled with warmth and humour
Beautiful visual worldbuilding
Great chemistry across the board
👎 What Didn’t
The emotional heaviness might surprise those looking for something super light
Verdict
Eternity is genuinely one of the year’s must-see films. It’s charming, emotionally rich, and a perfect example of how rom-coms have evolved — not replacing the classics, but adding something fresh and meaningful.
If you like love stories that actually say something, this one’s for you.
⭐ Rating: 9/10 — A refreshing, thoughtful, beautifully modern rom-com.