Following her historic win at the 93rd Academy Awards, director Chloé Zhao’s (“Nomadland”) next move was to bring her talents to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), helming its 26th film, “Eternals.” 

With Zhao’s visual scope and a talented, diverse cast at its disposal, the film was poised to be an epic origin story unlike anything seen in the MCU thus far. While its missteps prevent it from being a masterpiece, “Eternals” proves to be an exciting, emotional film that successfully breaks the franchise’s mold.

Taking place after “Avengers: Endgame,” the film focuses on the eponymous “Eternals,” immortal beings created by the powerful celestials to protect Earth from the evil “Deviants.” Thousands of years after disbanding, the team reunites in order to face an ominous new threat, while also overcoming personal demons and clashing ideologies along the way.

A refreshing element which sets “Eternals” apart from past MCU projects is its willingness to prioritize drama over action. While fight scenes are featured, a majority of the run time is dedicated to character interactions, highlighting their struggles as a team and their disillusionment with their duties protecting Earth. Thus, the film takes a somber approach to the MCU formula, opting to analyze the hardships of hero work, rather than glorifying it.

However, the film’s dramatic elements are bogged down by a slew of plot points which feel underdeveloped or unimportant, despite the emotional potential which they possess. The conflict surrounding Thena (Angelina Jolie, “Those Who Wish Me Dead”) presents the most wasted potential, serving only convenient plot purposes rather than posing genuine stakes.

Despite recognizable names such as Jolie and Salma Hayek (“Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”) rounding out the cast, the film’s best performances come from its less recognizable actors. As the genius Phastos, Bryan Tyree Henry (“The Woman in the Window”) provides a grounded, world-weary performance which puts into perspective the high stakes of superheroes’ jobs, in addition to the sacrifices they make in their personal lives. Barry Keoghan (“The Green Knight”), portraying the group’s outsider, Druig, displays a level of gravitas which may convince viewers to support his character’s extreme solutions to humanity’s problems. Above all, Kumail Nanjiani (“The Lovebirds”) shines in his role as Kingo, serving as the film’s comic relief, while also bringing a sense of tragedy which occasionally shines through the cracks of his action hero persona.

Though the film is a visual treat, fans of Zhao’s past works may be disappointed by what they behold. While her eye for nature and landscapes may enhance the MCU’s recurring visual style, Zhao herself is noticeably restrained behind the camera. This comes as no surprise, as Marvel Studios maintains creative control over its projects, despite allowing directors to show off their own unique approaches. However, seeing as Zhao managed to produce an engrossing film which ultimately stays true to her directorial style, her efforts should not be viewed as lesser compared to her prior films.

While it is far from perfect, “Eternals” succeeds in introducing a compelling team that brings a whole new perspective to what it means to be a superhero, while reinforcing the idea that not all heroes share the same morals. Opening many new doors for the MCU with its characters, story and allusions to other properties, it will be exciting to see where the franchise will take the new team next. 

Image from Marvel Studios via YouTube