Marvel Studios’ Eternals (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is a superhero film.
Eternals, an immortal alien race, emerge from hiding, after thousands of years, to protect Earth from their evil counterparts, the Deviants. Ten human-like Eternals are sent by Celestial Arishem, with super powers to Earth to fight the invading Deviants. Since they are not allowed to interfere in the development of the world’s population, cracks develop among the Eternals in year 1500 BC.
In the present day, Sersi (Gemma Chan) and Sprite (Lia McHugh) live together in London. Sersi, left by partner Ikaris (Richard Madden) more than 500 years earlier, is in a relationship with Dane Whitman (Kit Harington). Ikaris appears and saves Sersi, Sprite and Dane from a Deviant. Ikaris and Sersi then decide to reunite all Eternals in order to be prepared to face the renewed danger. Ajak (Salma Hayek) cannot join the group as she was previously killed by a Deviant. Ajak had given Sersi the ability to communicate with Arishem. Celestial reveals that the primary mission of the Eternals was not to fight the Deviants but to prepare Earth for ‘The Emergence’. Arishem explains that for millions of years, the Celestials have been planting their seeds in populated planets so that a new Celestial can be born from them. Since the energy of a lot of individuals was required for the formation of a new Celestial, the Celestials sent the Deviants to destroy the top predators of the planet and thereby ensure the development of life. However, the Deviants evolved and themselves became top predators, which is why the Eternals were sent to fight them. Arishem further explains that Earth had now reached the necessary population so that the Emergence — the birth of the Celestial Tiamut and the resultant destruction of the planet — can take place. The Eternals, who’ve learned to love humanity, decide not to obey Arishem’s orders and instead prevent the Emergence. However, not all Eternals agree with Phastos’ (Brian Tyree Henry) creation of the Uni-Mind — a connection between all Eternals, to unite their powers — so that Tiamut can be put to sleep.
What happens thereafter? On whose side are Druig (Barry Keoghan), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Ikaris, Sprite, Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Gilgamesh (Ma Dong-seok), and Thena (Angelina Jolie).
Ryan Firpo and Kaz Firpo have written an interesting story which is based on Jack Kirby’s Eternals. Although it talks about saving Earth, which has been seen in many earlier films, it still manages to offer some novelty in content. The screenplay, penned by Chloé Zhao, Patrick Burleigh, Ryan Firpo and Kaz Firpo, is very engaging because it has a lot of interesting twists and turns. Since there are romantic angles too, the drama becomes more humane.
Gemma Chan gives her cent per cent to the character of Sersi and comes out a winner. Richard Madden creates an impact as Ikaris. Salma Hayek makes a fine impression as Ajak. Angelina Jolie is terrific as Thena. Kumail Nanjiani entertains a great deal as Kingo. Lia McHugh is good as Sprite. Brian Tyree Henry leaves a wonderful mark as Phastos. Lauren Ridloff shines in the role of Makkari. Barry Keoghan lends decent support as Druig. Ma Dong-seok has his moments as Gilgamesh. Harish Patel evokes laughter as Kingo’s manager, Karun. Kit Harington looks handsome and plays Dane Whitman effectively. Others are adequate.
Chloé Zhao’s direction is fantastic. Ramin Djawadi’s music is very appealing. Ben Davis’ cinematography is superb. Production designing (by Eve Stewart and Clint Wallace) is of a very high order. Editing (by Dylan Tichenor and Craig Wood) is sharp. Dubbing is excellent.
On the whole, Eternals is a fair entertainer. However, it will not be able to realise its full potential due to poor showcasing (because of clash with Sooryavanshi which has been given the cream and maximum number of shows).
Released on 5-11-’21 at Gemini (daily 4 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay by UTV Software Communications Ltd. Publicity & opening: quite good. …….Also released all over. Opening was fair at most places. …….The original English version has also opened simultaneously.