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Chloé Zhao, renowned for her Oscar-winning work in Nomadland, takes her shot at the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Eternals. Known for her naturalistic style and ability to bring quiet beauty to the screen, Zhao applies her trademark aesthetic to Eternals in a way that breathes life into its blockbuster framework. However, Eternals grapples with the inherent challenge of melding Zhao’s subtle storytelling with the sprawling, action-driven requirements of the MCU.
A New Take on the MCU Visuals:
Working with cinematographer Ben Davis, who also shot Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Strange, Zhao captures mesmerizing visuals across breathtaking locations. Scenes shot at sunset in ancient Babylon and the sunlit outback of Australia give viewers moments of tranquility amidst the usual Marvel action sequences. These quiet moments allow the audience to soak in the scenery and ambiance, providing a sense of naturalism and grounding that is rare in superhero films.
Unfortunately, Zhao’s vision is often sidelined by the movie’s need to cater to Marvel’s signature style, complete with high-energy, glossy battle scenes that often overshadow the film’s more nuanced elements.
Diverse Cast and Inclusive Storytelling:
Eternals shines in its inclusivity. With a diverse cast led by Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie, the film brings fresh representation to the MCU. Brian Tyree Henry and Haaz Sleiman portray a gay couple with a son, bringing authentic LGBTQ+ representation, while Lauren Ridloff’s Makkari, a hearing-impaired speedster, and Jolie’s Thena, a warrior with a complex mental health struggle, add unique perspectives and layers to the characters. This casting not only diversifies the MCU but also gives audiences heroes who reflect real-world diversity.
A Story Stretched Thin:
The plot of Eternals follows a group of immortal beings who have secretly lived on Earth for centuries, fighting off alien creatures known as Deviants. Forced out of hiding, they unite once more to prevent a world-ending event. The narrative covers centuries, jumping back and forth in time, making it dense and, at times, difficult to follow. Zhao’s attempt to weave a meaningful backstory and mythology can feel rushed, with long exposition scenes interrupting the flow.
While the film does include romantic elements, especially between Chan’s Sersi and Richard Madden’s Ikaris, these are sidelined as the action intensifies. Other interesting relationships, like Sersi’s with her mortal boyfriend Dane Whitman (Kit Harington), remain underdeveloped due to the overwhelming action sequences.
Moments of Depth Amidst Action:
One of the film's standout moments is its groundbreaking decision to feature an on-screen romantic scene between superheroes, adding a touch of humanity and vulnerability that is usually absent in the MCU’s often sanitized relationships. Zhao’s effort to explore more mature themes gives the characters a sense of relatability, though the movie ultimately prioritizes spectacle.
A Unique but Flawed Entry:
In Eternals, Zhao brings her distinct style and vision to the MCU, making it visually arresting and diverse. Yet the film's overstuffed plot, complex mythology, and action-heavy sequences clash with her strengths. While Eternals pushes Marvel into new territory, it is limited by the very formula it attempts to transcend. Fans looking for a different flavor of superhero movie will find glimpses of brilliance in Eternals, even if it struggles under the weight of its own ambition.