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Marvel's 'Eternals' critics' review: 'Beautiful yet dense'

Directed by Oscar-winner Chloe Zhao, 'Eternals marks the 26th film in the MCU and the third movie in Phase Four and garnered mixed reviews

Marvel's 'Eternals' was officially released for film critics to share their two cents and share they did as the movie garnered mixed reviews. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao ('Nomadland'), 'Eternals marks the 26th film in the MCU and the third movie in Phase Four. The film stars a diverse ensemble cast including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.

The official synopsis reads: "The Eternals, a race of immortal beings with superhuman powers who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants." The movie shifts its focus from better-known Marvel superheroes like the 'Avengers' and introduces a new enigmatic team of superheroes based on Jack Kirby's characters. 'The Eternals' are described as an immortal alien race created by the Celestials and have dwelled on Earth for the past 7,000 years without disclosing their true identities.

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Slashfilm's Peter Sciretta tweeted: "#Eternals is surprising, epic, beautiful yet dense. It takes some big swings, sometimes feels like a DC film (not a criticism), other times feels like no other superhero movie ever. I wish I had a glowing quick reaction to offer you but I’m left with more complex thoughts." Buzzfeed's Nora Dominik was all praise for the cast performances. "What’s great about #Eternals is every character gets their chance to shine, so everyone will have their own personal favorites. I left just needing more of Angelina Jolie and Gemma Chan. What powerhouse performances."

Fandango's Erik Davis called the movie spectacularly weird. "Marvel’s #Eternals is spectacularly weird & rich w/ a new MCU mythology that makes it feel separate from everything else. It’s honestly refreshing. There’s a bittersweetness to the film that you feel in its sunset shots - a definite Chloé Zhao touch. It is soulful & thoughtful." Scott Mendelson of Forbes said, "#Eternals flirts with being "just a superhero movie" but (barely) gets by on scale, a few affable actors and some eventual intrugue. At its best, it almost plays like Marvel playing in the DCEU sandbox but coasting on comparatively generic superhero archetypes."

Collider's Steven Weintraub dubbed the film's cinematography as beautiful. "My favorite part of Marvel movies is how they consistently manage to find new ways to tell their stories. #eternals is beautifully shot & looks very different than previous MCU films. Story surprised me with some of the twists & turns. The 2 after the credits scenes are," he said.
 

'Eternals' releases in theaters on November 5.