In the afterlife comedy “Eternity,” Elizabeth Olsen finds herself at a crossroads, faced with a choice between two husbands.
Directed by David Freyne, the film draws inspiration from Hirokazu Kore-eda’s 1998 work “After Life,” which uniquely portrayed the afterlife as a blend of a Buddhist temple and a movie studio. While “Eternity” may not reach the same artistic heights, it offers a humorous and engaging exploration of love and choices in the afterlife.
The story begins with octogenarian Larry Cutler, portrayed by Barry Primus, who meets an untimely end at a gender-reveal party for his great-grandchild. Upon his arrival in the afterlife, he discovers himself reincarnated at the youthful age of 35 (played by Miles Teller) and transported to a mid-tier hotel and convention center. His guide, Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), informs him that individuals are reincarnated at the age of their greatest happiness. “We get a lot of 10-year-old boys here,” she notes, “but very few teenagers.”
Anna further explains that this hotel is merely a temporary stop for the deceased, giving them one week to decide on their eternal destination. The film features a clever running gag with advertisements for various afterlives displayed throughout the hotel, including cheeky slogans like “Weimar World: With 100% Fewer Nazis” and “Capitalism World: What’s the Point of Being Rich If Someone Else Isn’t Poor?”
As Larry navigates his new surroundings, his wife Joan (Betty Buckley), who has been terminally ill, arrives in the hotel as her younger self (Elizabeth Olsen). His initial joy quickly turns to confusion upon learning about Joan’s first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), who has been waiting for her for 67 years while working as a bartender in the hotel. Joan must now decide which man she wishes to be with for eternity. An enigmatic higher authority grants her the chance to preview the afterlives chosen by each man: Luke envisions a ski lodge, while Larry dreams of a beachfront paradise.
David Freyne, known for his innovative zombie film “The Cured,” nearly captures the essence of this unique premise. The performances, especially by Teller and Olsen, are commendable, portraying the emotional weight of their characters’ situations. The hotel’s mundane atmosphere is effectively contrasted with the quirks of Anna’s rivalry with Joan’s afterlife coordinator (John Early), allowing Randolph to showcase her comedic talents. A humorous moment arises when Larry tries to impress Joan with a performance by her favorite singer, Dean Martin, only to realize too late that it’s an impersonator poorly attempting to woo her.
However, as the film progresses towards its conclusion, the comedic momentum begins to wane, particularly during a scene where Joan attempts to evade afterlife security guards. The execution falters as she runs through snapshots of her life, which could have been more entertaining had she navigated through various afterlife settings instead. Despite its shortcomings, “Eternity” demonstrates the skills of a promising filmmaker who is likely to deliver stronger works in the future, even if this particular film struggles to maintain its initial charm.
Eternity stars Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner. Directed by David Freyne, with a screenplay by Patrick Cunnane and David Freyne. Rated PG-13.
Tags: A24, afterlife, comedy, David Freyne, Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller
