Facing the ultimate question of 'what happens next?' is a universal human experience, and David Freyne's 'Eternity' tackles this head-on with a charming, comedic approach that might just be his best work yet.
'Eternity' is a film that dares to ask: How do we grapple with the idea of oblivion? Are the traditional, often somber, views on the afterlife truly the only options? Freyne's third feature film, following the likes of 'The Cured' and 'Dating Amber', proposes a refreshingly lighthearted answer to these profound questions.
Imagine a world where the deceased arrive at a place called 'The Hub,' a sort of cosmic trade show, where they have a week to decide how they'll spend eternity. This concept, reminiscent of Hirokazu Kore-eda's 'After Life,' offers a unique perspective on the afterlife. But here's where it gets interesting: the film's atmosphere leans more towards the classic 'A Matter of Life and Death.' There's a similar, almost sentimental, belief in finding the perfect, eternal partner.
Let's set the scene: We meet an elderly couple, Larry and Joan. Larry's untimely demise comes from a pretzel mishap, while Joan succumbs to a long illness. In this version of the afterlife, the deceased appear as they were in their happiest form. For Larry and Joan, that means looking like the youthful Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen in the year 2025.
But, as with all good stories, there's a twist. Larry discovers that the Hub's friendly bartender (played by Callum Turner, a potential future James Bond) was Joan's first husband. He's been waiting for her since his death in the Korean War. Joan is now faced with a difficult choice: spend eternity with her teenage sweetheart or her long-time life partner.
The film does get a bit caught up in the Hub's procedures. It can feel a little confined, making you yearn for a dose of reality. However, the three leads deliver a performance that's all about romantic absolutes, leading to a conclusion that Hollywood rarely attempts nowadays.
The movie is in cinemas from Friday, December 6th.
What are your thoughts on Freyne's take on the afterlife? Do you agree with the film's hopeful view of love and eternity, or do you find it too sentimental? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
