Words Tabatha Golat
Have you ever wondered where you would spend eternity if you had the choice? Or what might happen at the junction between life and whatever comes next? These are the questions at the heart of this month’s Screen Scene recommendation, Eternity, an A24 film directed by David Freyne (in theatres at the time of writing). The film takes a playful and thought-provoking approach to life after death while weaving humour, romance and reflection throughout, creating an entertaining and surprisingly moving story.
The film follows Larry and Joan, an elderly married couple who pass away within one week of each other. Larry, played by Miles Teller, dies first and arrives at “the junction,” a place where all recently deceased decide where they will spend eternity. He is assigned an Afterlife Coordinator (AC) who explains the rules and guides him through the process. Larry has seven days to choose his “eternity” and tries to wait for Joan, played by Elizabeth Olsen, so they can decide together. The junction is a blend of a train station and convention centre, with booths showcasing a range of potential eternities. Some are hilarious, some mundane, and others surprisingly appealing, giving the filmmakers space for clever humour, inventive art direction, and a sense of wonder.
When Joan arrives, she meets her AC and – to her surprise – her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), who died decades earlier in the Korean War. In the junction, visitors appear in the body they were happiest in on Earth, so Larry, Joan and Luke are all young again. Elizabeth Olsen shines in her role, conveying Joan’s decades of experience with complete believability. Her performance keeps the story grounded even as it navigates its clever, existential premise, balancing emotional depth with light-hearted charm.
The film is funny and reflective, never feeling heavy despite its philosophical undertones. Larry and Luke vie for Joan’s attention as she must ultimately decide who and where she wants to spend her eternity, creating tension and comedy. The story is heartwarming and satisfying, leaving the audience reflecting on life, love and the choices we make long after the credits roll.
Light, charming and surprisingly funny, Eternity turns a seemingly heavy topic into a warm and accessible story. It left me considering my own eternity and what I would choose. I suspect mine would be full of dogs, laughter, and maybe a little mischief.
For fans of romantic comedies with a reflective twist, you might also enjoy:
What Dreams May Come, Prime
Yesterday, Netflix
The Farewell, CBC Gem
About Time, Prime
The Good Place, Netflix
