Eternals (2021): Chloé Zhao's Ambitious Cosmic Epic

Eternals is the MCU's most divisive film—and its most ambitious. Director Chloé Zhao brings her Oscar-winning sensibilities to a cosmic story spanning 7,000 years. The film follows ten immortal beings sent to Earth to protect humanity from the Deviants, only to discover their true purpose. The ensemble cast is stellar—Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, and Angelina Jolie. The film's philosophical questions—humanity's worth, free will vs. duty, the morality of intervention—give it weight. The visual scope is breathtaking, with naturalistic cinematography and epic set pieces. The film introduces the Celestials and sets up the cosmic side of the MCU. While the pacing is uneven and the runtime long, Eternals rewards patience with its ambition and emotional depth. It's a film that gets better with repeat viewings. Eternals is available on Disney+ Hotstar. For free viewing, many mobile plans include Disney+. Digital rentals are available on YouTube Movies and Apple TV. The film is also available for purchase on digital platforms.