Movie Review: Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Miles Teller Lead Clever, Charming ‘Eternity’

Joan Cutler faces an unimaginable choice in Eternity. Recently deceased, the character portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen is given a single week to decide which memory from her life she wants to keep for the afterlife. This poetic premise sets the stage for a thoughtful, witty, and emotionally layered exploration of love, regret, and purpose.

A Journey Through Memory

Set in a serene yet mysterious afterlife limbo, Eternity follows Joan’s interactions with other souls faced with similar choices. Each conversation sparks reflections about what defines a life well-lived. Olsen’s nuanced performance anchors the narrative with quiet strength and vulnerability.

Miles Teller plays Tom, a former jazz musician whose charm hides deep wounds. His scenes opposite Olsen reveal unexpected humor and tenderness. Callum Turner adds complexity as an enigmatic counselor guiding the souls through their final decisions, subtly questioning whether eternal happiness is worth the price of forgetting.

Direction and Tone

Director Hannah Lee crafts an atmosphere both whimsical and melancholic. The cinematography uses soft, gilded light to express nostalgia, while the score’s minimalist piano motifs keep the emotions grounded. The pacing allows viewers to dwell on silences and micro-expressions that linger longer than words.

Themes and Impact

At its core, Eternity examines memory as both comfort and burden. The film elegantly suggests that moments of imperfection—loss, confusion, fleeting joy—are what give life meaning. The dialogue feels natural yet reflective, weaving philosophical ideas with gentle humor and warmth.

Final Thoughts

Without resorting to sentimentality, Eternity captures the bittersweet truth that eternity itself might mean accepting impermanence. Elizabeth Olsen leads a stellar trio in a film that feels both intimate and transcendent—clever, charming, and quietly profound.

“Maybe eternity isn't forever,” Joan reflects. “Maybe it's the one moment you never want to stop reliving.”

Author’s summary:
A charming and wistful metaphysical drama where Elizabeth Olsen shines as a soul confronting memory, love, and what it truly means to live forever.

The Albertan — 2025-11-25