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Eternals (UK, US, 2021) monastery. Chloé Zhao. Screenplay: Chloe Chow, Patrick Burley, Ryan Firpo and Kaz Firpo. With Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry Keoghan, Ma Dong-seok.
“A Marvel movie is different,” so the top reviews say about the Eternals, the latest installment from the hit publisher, directed by Academy Award winner Chloe Chow (Nomadland).
The fact that the film did not leave anyone indifferent, perhaps because it was the most anticipated title of the year, because it was about new characters performed by a star cast or because the upcoming director from independent cinema entered the field. of comedy films.
However, certainly due to the expectations the movie created, the movie left little to no flavor.
The Eternals isn’t the worst Marvel movie, but it’s not the best either. Given all the elements that had to be a hit, disappointment trumps any other feeling when leaving the stage.
For those unfamiliar with its plot, the story follows the saga of Eternals, a breed of immortal beings, who come to planet Earth to protect humans from creatures called perverts. Meanwhile, over time, others influenced the history and culture of different civilizations.
Pretty much in keeping with the most popular space theories, the plot wouldn’t come as a surprise, especially for science fiction fans. While novelty is how this story relates to the Marvel Universe films, especially with the Avengers films.
Unfortunately, as it always happens, the biggest flaw in this production lies in its script. Not only because it has a very irregular structure (different timelines come and go with no logical meaning), but because the more complex and extensive the narrative becomes (it lasts for two and a half hours), the less credible the central conflict becomes.
This is the paradox that all superheroes suffer from: the more capable the character (be it the protagonist or the antagonist), the less sense the problem poses for the story, because such a higher power would nullify any kind of obstacle. For example, this is what happens with Superman, his opponents have to become stronger and more powerful so that it really poses a problem, and therefore the conflict is more credible.
The performance of the actors, meanwhile, is somewhat erratic. Those who were meant to be leaders are overshadowed by the supporting actors, reflecting the lack of harmony between the central roles. Also, there is a brutal waste of a very famous actress in the story.
On the plus side, I have to highlight the diversity and inclusion of the cast, as they not only represent different nationalities but also different sexual orientations for the first time in a Marvel movie.
Another notable feature is the stunning visual effects, as we are used to this genre; The topic that delves into the origins of life and the universe; A cinematographer who paints a picture in every scene.
However, the balance of the Eternals leaves a taste of disappointment, especially – and I say this in the key to my existence – for what could have been and finally wasn’t.
Fact: to stay in the seats because there are two scenes after approval!
Lydia Korea
Twitter: @liXoria
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