Eternals (2021), directed by Chloé Zhao, is an ambitious and visually stunning entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), offering a deeper and more philosophical exploration of heroism, humanity, and cosmic responsibility. Based on the characters created by Jack Kirby, the film introduces a new ensemble of immortal beings who have secretly lived among humans for thousands of years, shaping civilizations while protecting the Earth from monstrous entities known as Deviants.

The story centers around the titular Eternals, a group of ancient, superpowered beings sent by the Celestial Arishem to safeguard Earth from the Deviants. Each Eternal possesses unique abilities, forming a diverse and multifaceted team. The ensemble includes Sersi (Gemma Chan), a compassionate Eternal who can manipulate matter; Ikaris (Richard Madden), who can fly and project energy beams; Thena (Angelina Jolie), a fierce warrior with the ability to conjure weapons; and Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), a charming Eternal who channels energy blasts and has become a Bollywood star in modern times. Other members include Druig (Barry Keoghan), who can control minds, and Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), a brilliant inventor and the MCU’s first openly gay superhero.

The film’s narrative alternates between the past and the present, gradually unraveling the Eternals’ complex history and their relationships with humanity and one another. Having fulfilled their initial purpose, the Eternals have spent centuries blending into human society, grappling with their immortal existence and observing humanity’s triumphs and failures from the sidelines. When the Deviants resurface after centuries of dormancy, the Eternals are forced to reunite and confront their roles in the grander cosmic order.

As the plot unfolds, deeper secrets about their mission and the Celestials’ true intentions come to light. The revelation that their purpose extends beyond protecting humanity forces the Eternals to question their loyalty to Arishem and their responsibility to the people of Earth. The film explores themes of duty, free will, and the moral dilemmas faced by beings with god-like power.

Chloé Zhao’s direction brings a unique sensibility to the MCU, combining the grandeur of a superhero epic with intimate character-driven storytelling. Her use of naturalistic cinematography and practical locations lends the film a grounded, almost poetic quality. The visuals are breathtaking, showcasing sweeping landscapes and awe-inspiring cosmic imagery, while the action sequences are dynamic and inventive, reflecting the distinct abilities of each Eternal.

The performances are a highlight of the film, with Gemma Chan delivering a standout portrayal of Sersi’s warmth and quiet strength. Richard Madden imbues Ikaris with a stoic yet conflicted presence, while Angelina Jolie’s Thena balances vulnerability and power. Kumail Nanjiani provides humor and charm as Kingo, offering levity amid the film’s weightier themes. Barry Keoghan, Brian Tyree Henry, and Lauren Ridloff (as Makkari, the MCU’s first deaf superhero) bring depth and diversity to the ensemble, each character contributing to the film’s exploration of identity and purpose.

Despite its strengths, Eternals received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its ambition and emotional resonance while others found its pacing uneven and its story overly dense. The film’s attempt to introduce ten new characters and a complex mythology within a single narrative is a monumental task, occasionally leading to moments where certain characters and subplots feel underdeveloped.

Nonetheless, Eternals stands out for its willingness to tackle profound questions and expand the scope of the MCU. It redefines what a superhero film can be, blending spectacle with introspection and presenting a richly layered narrative about the intersection of the divine and the human.

At its core, Eternals is a meditation on legacy, love, and the choices that define us. It challenges the notion of what it means to be a hero, presenting characters who are as flawed and conflicted as they are powerful. With its bold storytelling, striking visuals, and diverse cast, Eternals marks a compelling and thought-provoking chapter in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.