Eternals (2021) is a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film directed by Chloรฉ Zhao, following the story of an ancient group of extraterrestrial beings known as the Eternals. These powerful beings have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, quietly guiding humanity but never interfering in its conflicts.
Plot Overview:
The film begins by introducing the Eternals, a race of immortal beings created by the Celestials, an ancient cosmic entity. Each Eternal is imbued with unique powers, and they have been sent to Earth to protect humanity from a monstrous species known as the Deviants. Over time, the Eternals have remained hidden, living among humans and blending in without revealing their true nature.
The Eternals are led by Ajak (Salma Hayek), the groupโs wise and empathetic leader. Other key characters include Ikaris (Richard Madden), the strong and powerful Eternal; Sersi (Gemma Chan), who can manipulate matter; Thena (Angelina Jolie), a warrior with formidable combat skills; Druig (Barry Keoghan), who can control minds; and Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), an inventor and creator.
The Plot Unfolds:
For centuries, the Eternals have been following the orders of their Celestial creators, preventing the Deviants from wreaking havoc on Earth. However, when the Deviants reappear after being thought to be extinct, the Eternals are forced to reunite and confront their past decisions.
As they come together to face this new threat, they begin to question their mission and their role in humanityโs evolution. The deeper they delve into the mystery, the more they realize that the true purpose of their existence is tied to an apocalyptic event that will reshape the future of Earth itself.
Sersi, along with Ikaris and the others, uncovers the truth about the Celestialsโ plan to destroy Earth in order to birth a new Celestial, a process that could wipe out humanity. As the group debates whether to follow their creators’ orders or protect the world they’ve come to love, they must make difficult decisions that will have profound consequences for the universe.
Climactic Moments:
In the film’s climax, the Eternals face off against Ikaris, who has a complex relationship with the group’s mission and the Earth. With the worldโs fate hanging in the balance, the Eternals must decide if they will follow the orders of the Celestials or fight to protect the planet and humanity.
Themes and Impact:
“Eternals” explores themes of identity, purpose, loyalty, and the struggle between duty and free will. The film delves into the emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, who have lived for millennia but are deeply connected to Earth and its people.
Visually stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and spectacular action sequences, Eternals (2021) is an ambitious expansion of the MCU, introducing new, diverse characters and exploring the cosmic scale of the universe. The film also brings a fresh, introspective perspective on superhero storytelling, focusing on deeper philosophical and ethical questions about humanityโs place in the universe.
Ultimately, Eternals is a tale of collective responsibility, the consequences of ignoring oneโs humanity, and the hope for change, with the characters discovering that the future is not set in stoneโit is shaped by the choices they make.