Making choices in life are not always easy. If you have thought all your life that making decisions will be finally over after you pass away, well the script for Eternity will show the audience it is not over. There are choices that can be made, but once that choice is made, well then comes the time it is over.
The story by screenwriter Patrick Cunnane (“Designated Survivor” TV series) is co-written with director David Freyne (Dating Amber, The Cured). I liked the concept of the story and can make a viewer start thinking about the possibilities they may have to face if this were to happen in their own afterlife. It has dramatic scenes that could be quite heavy but are softened with some comedic twists that add some levity. The cast all deliver on the drama and comedy, keeping it entertaining throughout.
Larry (Miles Teller) and wife Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) are spouses married for decades, with adult children who now have their own families. In their elder years they are facing medical challenges. As they attend a family celebration, the family deals with the sudden loss of Larry. Soon after, Joan follows due to her medical condition. It is after their deaths that they each learn what is to come, and decisions that must be made.
Larry learns of Joan’s journey to where he is – Junction, a bustling venue that has small lodging quarters/retail options, but not just any retail stores. The recently departed are provided with “eternity” shopping where they will remain for their afterlife. He soon learns how little control he has over Joan’s choices when the Afterlife Coordinators (AC) guide and inform him through this process. Larry’s AC is Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early) is Joan’s.
When the film begins, Joan and Larry are octogenarians, but in the afterlife, they are much more youthful, like Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen. So, while Larry is expecting to have Joan by his side, they both learn that Luke (Callum Turner), Joan’s first husband who died in the Korean War, made the choice decades ago to stay and wait for Joan in Junction for over six decades. Thus, we see the almost impossible decision filled with drama and humor.
Eternity is in theaters Wednesday (limited Tuesday), and is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for “sexual content and some strong language.” Running time: 112 minutes.
Source: A24
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