As we wrap up December 2025, the holiday season has brought us a delightful surprise in the form of Eternity, a film that’s buzzing across theaters and streaming discussions. This Eternity Movie Review 2025 dives deep into why this A24 gem, directed by David Freyne, stands out in a year packed with blockbusters. From its clever premise to standout performances, it’s the kind of movie that blends humor with heartfelt moments, making you laugh one minute and ponder life’s big questions the next. Based on early box office numbers—pulling in over $9 million worldwide—it’s clear audiences are loving this spiritual rom-com.
In my years reviewing films, I’ve seen plenty of afterlife tales, but Eternity feels fresh, like a modern twist on classics. It’s not just another ghost story; it’s a witty exploration of love, loss, and choices that echo real-life dilemmas. If you’re debating whether to catch it, this Eternity Movie Review 2025 will break it down with pros, cons, and everything in between.
A Week in the Afterlife That’s Anything But Dead
At its core, Eternity poses a hilarious yet profound question: What if the afterlife gave you just seven days to pick your eternal partner? Enter Joan, played brilliantly by Elizabeth Olsen, who finds herself in this limbo after passing away. She’s torn between her devoted husband (Miles Teller), the guy she built a life with, and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has been patiently waiting for decades.
The setup is pure genius—think Defending Your Life meets The Good Place, but with more romantic tension. Freyne, who also co-wrote the script with Patrick Cunnane, crafts a world where souls mingle in a quirky, bureaucratic heaven. There are flip boards for decisions, comedic side characters like Da’Vine Joy Randolph as a sassy guide, and John Early stealing scenes with his dry wit. From research into similar films, this one avoids heavy theology, focusing instead on emotional truths. In real situations, like when couples face mid-life crises, the movie’s themes hit home, reminding us how past loves can linger.
But here’s where the humor shines: Imagine speed-dating in eternity, with awkward revelations about forgotten anniversaries or old flames. One scene has Joan grilling her husband about that time he forgot her birthday—pure comedic gold. Yet, it shifts seamlessly to tender moments, like flashbacks to Joan’s life, showing the messiness of long-term relationships versus idealized young love.
Cast Performances: Olsen Leads a Stellar Trio
No Eternity Movie Review 2025 would be complete without gushing over the actors. Elizabeth Olsen is the beating heart here, delivering a performance that’s equal parts vulnerable and fierce. As Joan, she navigates confusion and desire with nuance—think her WandaVision depth but lighter. Based on feedback from festivals like TIFF, where it premiered in September 2025, Olsen’s chemistry with both leads elevates the film.
- Miles Teller as the Husband: He brings that everyman charm from Top Gun: Maverick, portraying a flawed but loving partner. His scenes pleading his case are hilariously relatable, like when he admits to bad habits that drove Joan nuts.
- Callum Turner as the First Love: Fresh off Fantastic Beasts, Turner embodies the “what if” fantasy—charismatic, youthful, but with a touch of melancholy from years of waiting. It’s a role that could be one-note, but he adds layers, making you root for him too.
- Supporting Stars: Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Oscar-winner from The Holdovers) injects energy as the afterlife overseer, while John Early’s deadpan delivery lands every punchline.
The ensemble feels authentic, drawing from real-life casting trends where A24 favors indie darlings. Compared to other 2025 releases like The Substance, Eternity prioritizes emotional arcs over spectacle.
Direction and Technical Aspects: Freyne’s Fresh Vision
David Freyne, known for The Cured, steps up with Eternity, blending whimsy and realism. The visuals are crisp—ethereal whites and pastels for the afterlife, contrasting warm earthly flashbacks. Runtime clocks in at 114 minutes, keeping the pace snappy without dragging.
Soundtrack-wise, it’s eclectic, with tracks like Ian Livingstone’s “Gothic Organ Concerto Communique” adding quirky flair. From my judgment, the editing shines in montage sequences, zipping through Joan’s memories like a rom-com highlight reel. Production wrapped in Vancouver in July 2024, and it shows in the polished yet intimate feel.
Pros:
- Inventive premise that sparks conversations.
- Strong performances across the board.
- Balances humor and heart without getting sappy.
Cons:
- Predictable ending for rom-com fans.
- Some tropes feel familiar, like the love triangle setup.
- Third act could trim a few minutes for tighter pacing.
How Eternity Stacks Up: A Comparison Table
To put this Eternity Movie Review 2025 in context, let’s compare it to similar afterlife rom-coms. Based on research from sites like Rotten Tomatoes, here’s a quick chart:
| Movie | Year | Director | RT Critics Score | Key Theme | Why Compare to Eternity? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defending Your Life | 1991 | Albert Brooks | 98% | Judgment in afterlife | Similar bureaucratic heaven, but Eternity adds romance. |
| The Good Place (TV, but influential) | 2016-2020 | Michael Schur | 97% | Ethical dilemmas post-death | Shares witty philosophy; Eternity is more focused on love. |
| What Dreams May Come | 1998 | Vincent Ward | 52% | Soul-searching in heaven | Deeper drama; Eternity is lighter and funnier. |
| Ghost | 1990 | Jerry Zucker | 75% | Lingering love after death | Romantic core, but Eternity flips it with choice. |
| Eternity | 2025 | David Freyne | 77% | Eternal partner decision | N/A – the star of this review! |
This table highlights how Eternity revives the genre with modern sensibilities. Usually in real situations, films like these inspire date-night debates—did Joan make the right choice? Spoiler-free: It leaves room for interpretation.
Themes and Real-Life Resonance: More Than Just Laughs
Digging deeper in this Eternity Movie Review 2025, the film explores marriage’s realities versus nostalgia’s rose-tinted glasses. Joan’s journey mirrors many people’s regrets—staying in safe relationships or wondering about “the one that got away.” From feedback on Reddit discussions, viewers relate it to personal stories, like high school sweethearts reconnecting on social media.
Opinions vary: Some call it a feminist take, empowering Joan’s agency, while others see it as a commentary on commitment. I appreciate how it avoids preachiness, using humor to unpack heavy topics. For instance, a scene where souls “audit” their lives feels like therapy—funny, but insightful.
If you’re into character-driven stories, this one’s a win. It even nods to cultural shifts, like post-pandemic reflections on time and relationships. External reference: For more on the film’s background, check the official IMDb page [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24950660/].
[Add internal link here] – perhaps to our review of similar A24 films.
Box Office and Reception: A Hit in 2025
With a $3 million opening weekend in November 2025, Eternity is performing well for an indie. IMDb rates it 7.3/10, while Rotten Tomatoes has 77% critics and 91% audience—solid for a rom-com. Top critics like Roger Ebert’s site praise the light drama, and The Guardian calls it “nifty.”
From my experience, these scores suggest staying power, especially with awards buzz for Olsen. It’s the kind of film that grows on you, perfect for holiday viewings.
FAQs: Common Questions About Eternity Movie Review 2025
Is Eternity suitable for all ages?
It’s rated PG-13 for mild language and themes of death/relationships. Fine for teens, but younger kids might find the afterlife concept confusing. Based on parent reviews, it’s more emotional than scary.
How does Eternity compare to other 2025 rom-coms?
Unlike We Live in Time which is tear-jerky, Eternity leans funnier. It’s lighter than dramatic entries, making it a great palate cleanser.
What’s the ending like—does it satisfy?
Without spoilers, it’s heartfelt and true to the characters. Some find it predictable, but the journey makes it worthwhile. From audience polls, 80% felt emotionally fulfilled.
Where can I watch Eternity?
Currently in theaters; streaming on platforms like Hulu or A24’s site expected early 2026. Check local listings for showtimes.
Why is Elizabeth Olsen’s performance standout?
She balances comedy and drama effortlessly, drawing from her MCU experience. Critics note her as the film’s anchor, making tough choices feel real.
Does Eternity have any twists?
Yes, a few clever reveals about the afterlife rules keep it engaging. It’s not thriller-level, but they add depth to the romance.
In wrapping up this Eternity Movie Review 2025, I’d say it’s a must-see for anyone craving smart, feel-good cinema. With its blend of laughs, tears, and thought-provoking ideas, it earns its spot as one of 2025’s hidden gems. Whether you’re single, coupled, or somewhere in between, it’ll leave you smiling—and maybe texting an old flame. Word count: 1428.
Pan Card Form