Eternity: A Sweet, Whimsical Afterlife Rom-Com That Charms Mostly — but Isn’t Without Flaws

Eternity (2025)

Eternity (2025), directed by David Freyne and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, takes a high-concept look at love beyond death. Set in a purgatory-esque realm where recently deceased souls must choose one version of eternity to spend forever, the film blends romantic comedy, fantasy, and a fair bit of metaphysical whimsy. 

What Works

Imaginative Afterlife World-Building

The film’s central hook — a bureaucratic, almost absurdist afterlife where souls browse themed “eternities” like travel packages — is playful and inventive. The visual creativity and production design give Eternity a distinctive charm that sets it apart from more grounded rom-coms. 

Strong Central Performances

Elizabeth Olsen is engaging as Joan, caught between her devoted second husband Larry (Miles Teller) and her first love Luke (Callum Turner). Teller’s performance is often praised for its earnestness and energy, giving Larry a quirky but sincere presence in this fantastical narrative. 

Humor and Heart in Balance

Critics generally agree that the film walks a line between screwball comedy and tender reflection. Supporting moments — particularly with Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early as afterlife administrators — add levity and help keep the tone buoyant even as the emotional stakes rise.

Audience Appeal & Genre Revival

The movie’s blend of romance and light fantasy, coupled with relatable questions about choice, regret, and love’s priorities, has connected with many viewers. Its Rotten Tomatoes score around 77–80% reflects a broadly positive reaction from critics overall.

What Doesn’t

Inconsistent Pacing & Structure

Some reviews note that Eternity doesn’t always sustain its momentum. The middle portion can feel slow, and the final act leans on familiar rom-com beats that undercut earlier ambition. Critics on Metacritic describe the film as “mixed or average” overall, indicating it doesn’t fully live up to its creative premise.

Logic and Narrative Stretching

While the whimsical afterlife concept is fun, the internal rules of this world occasionally don’t hold together consistently. Some critics and audience members find certain narrative developments and character motivations muddled or lacking emotional payoff. 

Love Triangle Chemistry Varies

Opinions on the central romantic dynamic differ: while many appreciate the performances, some feel the chemistry between the leads doesn’t always land emotionally, making Joan’s decision less compelling for parts of the audience. 

Verdict

Eternity is a rom-com with a brainy twist — lighthearted, inventive, and often genuinely moving. Its clever afterlife setting and solid cast help it transcend genre clichés, even if its emotional core doesn’t fully satisfy everyone. It doesn’t revolutionize romantic fantasy, but it offers a thoughtful and often funny spin on themes of love, choice, and what we value most. 

Best for: Viewers who enjoy whimsical, high-concept romance with a philosophical bent.

Less ideal for: Those seeking tight narrative logic or deeply dramatic stakes.