Marvel’s newest movie “Eternals” was released Nov. 5, 2021. The film quickly swept through the box office, but it was followed by many mixed opinions on how good the movie actually was. Fans found that the film was easily their new favorite Marvel film, whereas critics considered it to be a major flop. 

Some of these low ratings seem to point to the fact that the movie highlighted several different minority groups. For example, many of the main characters were POC (people of color), and filmmakers included elements of LGBTQ+, such as the character Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) and having his own family with a husband and son. 

Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ajak (Salma Hayek) and Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), all female leads, were POC. Also, Makkari is featured as the first ever deaf superhero in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). 

Along with various representations showcased in the film, the storyline and cinematography were outstanding. With intense action scenes, breathtaking visuals and magnificent costumes, “Eternals” checked all the boxes on the aesthetic aspect. 

Anyone could see how amazing the main cast worked together. Fans loved the “found family” trope between everyone. Many also find that out of all the MCU groups, the Eternals are the group that best represent an actual family. 

The main plot of the movie is that the Eternals, who are immortal beings with superhuman powers, were sent to Earth 7000 years ago to defeat the Deviants, which are ancient evil beings that were tasked to destroy humanity. 

The Eternals then arrived on Earth after being sent there by the prime Celestial, Arishem. Celestials are powerful cosmic beings that are born on different planets. Their purpose is to generate more energy for the universe in order to create even more life in the solar system.

Their mission was to stop and defeat all of the Deviants from delaying humanity’s progression in life. However, they were convinced they had rid Earth of all the Deviants and went their separate ways, starting their own unique lives.

After 7000 years the Deviants had suddenly returned in London, which is where both Sersi and Sprite (Lia McHugh) were residing. They are then met with a chance encounter from Ikarus (Richard Madden), who is another Eternal. Together the three of them began searching all around the globe for the rest of their group.

As their journey progressed they were reunited with each other. They were given a small glimpse of how the other Eternals had been living their own lives. 

After coming back together after so many centuries the group had finally uncovered the real reason they had been sent to Earth by Arishem. They were destined to rid humanity of the Deviants because Earth was chosen as a host planet for a Celestial to be born. 

However, many of the Eternals felt that humans had such a more complex and different form of life and that their planet didn’t deserve to be destroyed.

This film was entirely different from other films Marvel has made but still fit into the entire MCU storyline. They were able to go back further in the MCU and still tie everything together with how the timeline has progressed thus far. Many fans are excited and curious to see what the lineup will be for the Eternals being featured in future Marvel films. 

 Chloé Zhao, the director of “Eternals,” did a phenomenal job on highlighting multiple different representations of minorities. Many Marvel fans are ecstatic to see the Eternals return, and if Zhao will ever return for future MCU films.

For more information contact Anna Baustert at [email protected]