Eternals: The MCU’s Risky Love Letter To Humanity

Marvel’s underrated movie Eternals was actually good…Marvel’s Eternals, with its sprawling narrative and massive ensemble cast, might have missed the mark for many, but if you give it a second chance, you might find yourself surprisingly drawn in. As Captain America: Brave New World brings the Celestial events from Eternals to the forefront of the MCU, it’s time to revisit this often-dismissed movie and dig into why it worked for some of us. The film may have sparked debates, but its audacity and ambition deserve a deeper look.

A Fresh Angle on the MCU

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For those who skipped Eternals or rolled their eyes at its lofty concepts, here’s a quick refresher: the story revolves around a group of seven superpowered beings, each bearing powers that echo ancient mythological figures. They’ve been on Earth for thousands of years, quietly following orders from their god-like leader to exterminate Deviants (think monstrous entities that threaten humanity). But after completing their mission, they’re left in limbo—waiting for a new directive that never comes.

Fast-forward to 500 years later, and these ageless beings find themselves scattered across the world, with no sign of their next mission. When a new Deviant threat arises, the group must reunite, unravel the mysteries of their origins, and face shocking revelations that change everything. The premise alone is enough to spark intrigue, even for the most skeptical MCU fans.

What stood out for me, though, was the film’s exploration of humanity’s legends and how they might have been shaped by these very beings. It’s not just the “aliens are behind all our myths” angle we saw in Thor. Instead, Eternals asks a bigger question: What if our greatest heroes of mythology were real—and they had been subtly influencing the course of history? This philosophical undertone adds weight to the film, offering something deeper than a traditional superhero flick.

Character A Marvel First?

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What truly elevates Eternals for me, though, is its character work. Unlike most MCU movies, where relationships often feel surface-level or exaggerated for comedic relief, Eternals takes its time to dig into its characters’ pasts, motivations, and emotional complexities. This isn’t just another ensemble piece where quips and jokes make up for any meaningful connection. These are beings who have lived thousands of years together, and when they reunite, the emotional baggage is palpable.

Let’s start with the leader of the group, Ajak (Salma Hayek). She embodies a calm strength that contrasts with the emotional turmoil brewing beneath the surface. But it’s her relationship with Thena (Angelina Jolie), once a fierce warrior now struggling with mental health, that provides some of the film’s most tender moments. Thena, driven by loyalty and guilt, is taken care of by Gilgamesh (Don Lee), who patiently watches over her, even when it means sacrificing his own needs. This is not the dynamic we often see in superhero teams, where characters simply get along because they have to.

Druig (Barry Keoghan), who has grown disillusioned with humanity, has a fascinating arc, especially when paired with Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), a character who represents hope and optimism. Their relationship is electric—filled with tension and sweetness. Then there’s Ikaris (Richard Madden), who shares a tense, sometimes romantic connection with Sersi (Gemma Chan). The film’s emotional climax—a moment of raw vulnerability between these two characters—is one of the most genuine and heartbreaking scenes I’ve witnessed in a Marvel film. Richard Madden’s Ikaris, breaking down in tears, is a pivotal moment that showcases a depth we rarely see in MCU leading men.

This is the real meat of Eternals—not the celestial battles or world-altering stakes, but the exploration of human (or alien) relationships. The film doesn’t just present characters as tools for a larger narrative; it asks us to care about their histories and, more importantly, their future. Every character has a different perspective on humanity, but they all share one thing: a deep-seated care for each other. It’s this connection—rooted in centuries of shared experiences—that anchors the film.

The Risk of Emotional Investment

The big risk Chloé Zhao took with Eternals is asking audiences to care deeply about characters who were entirely new to the MCU. After over a decade of established characters, it felt like a big ask. In a world where we’ve become accustomed to big set pieces and grand action sequences, Zhao’s quieter moments and slower pace may have felt like a departure from what we’ve come to expect from Marvel. And yet, I appreciated the gamble.

Zhao challenges viewers to invest emotionally in these beings—not just as superheroes but as people with complex histories, personal traumas, and evolving understandings of themselves. She asks us to care about how they’ve changed over the millennia, and how their relationships have been shaped by time, trauma, and unfulfilled purpose. That’s not something we typically see in superhero movies. Sure, there’s a lot of exposition, but unlike other MCU films, where world-building is often done in quick, forgettable bursts, Eternals takes the time to craft these emotional moments. Even if they feel like a bit of a slow burn, they make the eventual payoff that much more rewarding.

A Film of Messy, Beautiful Ideas

Yes, Eternals is messy. The movie tries to juggle lofty themes about humanity, morality, and the very fabric of existence while still tying into the ever-expanding MCU. It’s ambitious, and sometimes it stumbles. At times, the pacing can feel off, with too much time spent explaining the intricacies of their mission and too little focus on character development. And yes, there are plenty of moments where we find ourselves scratching our heads over choices made for the sake of the larger MCU plot. But in embracing its imperfections, Eternals becomes something more than a mere cog in the Marvel machine. It’s a deeply personal, character-driven exploration of what it means to exist, to love, and to reckon with the choices we make.

What sets it apart from other Marvel films is that it asks us to care about the story itself, not just the broader universe. It’s a different kind of superhero movie—one where the stakes feel more personal, where the relationships are more complex, and where the heroes are flawed, vulnerable, and, at times, heartbreaking.

The Long-Term Value of Eternals

So, where does Eternals fit into the broader MCU? It’s tempting to place it as a standalone, a forgotten chapter in the franchise’s larger narrative, but I think it’s a movie that will resonate more as the MCU continues to evolve. The events of Eternals are far from finished, and the celestial implications that were barely touched upon in this movie will no doubt play a larger role in future installments.

In some ways, Eternals feels like a love letter to the concept of immortality—not just in the sense of living forever but in the impact of our actions, relationships, and legacies. These characters, while immortal, are grappling with the weight of their existence, and their stories will continue to unfold. It’s not about the action set pieces or the flashy effects, but about the quiet moments of introspection that make Eternals a hidden gem in the MCU.

By the end of the film, I realized that Eternals isn’t just about superpowered aliens saving the world. It’s about understanding what it means to care, to love, and to sacrifice. It’s a complex, messy, beautiful film that might not have won over everyone, but it certainly found a place in my heart. And sometimes, that’s all a movie really needs to do.

Conclusion: A Love That Deserves to Be Seen

Perhaps Eternals isn’t for everyone. It’s a long movie, filled with questions of fate, morality, and sacrifice. But if you can embrace its slow pace and take the time to get to know these characters, you’ll find that the movie offers something unique in the MCU—a deep dive into emotional storytelling and complex character relationships. It’s a reminder that even in a universe filled with world-ending threats and epic battles, the true heart of any story lies in the connections between people. Eternals may not be the MCU’s best movie, but it certainly deserves more love than it’s gotten. So, give it a second chance—and maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself caring more than you thought possible.