First Reactions to “Eternals” Say Chloé Zhao’s Epic is an MCU Game-Changer
Eternals is the 26th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and yet the early reactions are that thanks to Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao, it feels entirely different from that films that have come before. Zhao’s star-studded epic had its premiere last night at the El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles, which is why the internet will be flooded with initial reactions. The official review embargo for Eternals doesn’t lift until 2 p.m. EST on October 24, but the social media embargo for first reactions lifted last night. So, we’ve compiled some of those reactions for you.
Eternals promises to expand the MCU to cosmic proportions. The film is centered on the titular group of immortal superbeings who have been embedded on Earth throughout the millennia, patiently waiting to defend humanity from their demented siblings (of sorts), the Deviants. Zhao led a terrific ensemble that includes Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, Lia McHugh, Don Lee, Barry Keoghan, Lauren Ridloff, Kit Harrington, and Harish Patel. The film is set in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame yet will introduce us to characters who have been around longer than even Thor. We are meeting all of these characters for the first time in an MCU film, which would be a heavy lift for any director.
Eternals will make its European premiere on the closing night of the Rome Film Festival on October 24, then open wide here in the United States on November 45 where it plays exclusively in theaters for 45 days until moving to Disney+.
Let’s take a peek at some of those early reactions.
Just got out of #Eternals. I’ve never been so invested in a story. It was cinematically beautiful. I was engaged the entire time. There’s a lot to ingest but they do such a great job to process it all. This feels so different from the MCU, like it’s own universe. I loved it.
— Lauraaaahhh!!! A Ghost! ลอร’า 劳拉 (@lsirikul) October 19, 2021
Holy crap – Eternals is a freaking MASTERPIECE!!! Packed with adrenaline right from the start, but also filled with lots of heart & humor! So many MCU firsts!! Your mind will be BLOWN! Nods to comics but a totally unique story. Those end credits are GAME CHANGERS!! #Eternals pic.twitter.com/jKiMJukn4S
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) October 19, 2021
#Eternals is surprising, epic, beautiful yet dense. It takes some big swings, sometimes feels like a DC film (not a criticism), other times feels like no other superhero movie ever. I wish I had a glowing quick reaction to offer you but I’m left with more complex thoughts.
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) October 19, 2021
#Eternals is perhaps the most ambitious Marvel movie ever made. But the highest compliment I can pay it is that it’s not a Marvel movie; it’s a Chloé Zhao movie. pic.twitter.com/AzlXjJQXVc
— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) October 19, 2021
With the sweeping visuals by Chloé Zhao and an ensemble filled with actors that feel destined for the MCU, #Eternals is unlike any other Marvel movie. So many great twists and the chemistry of the cast really make this movie one to watch
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) October 19, 2021
#Eternals is probably the most shocking and surprising Marvel movie you’ll see. Many twists and turns. Kumail Nanjiani Is hilarious in every scene. As always, stay to the VERY end. pic.twitter.com/Z3Hm6Vxznx
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) October 19, 2021
My favorite part of Marvel movies is how they consistently manage to find new ways to tell their stories. #eternals is beautifully shot & looks very different than previous MCU films. Story surprised me with some of the twists & turns. The 2 after the credits scenes are 👏👍🔥 pic.twitter.com/XUgxkBngeX
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 19, 2021
#Eternals is amazing! Chloé Zhao & company turn in an evocative, emotional, extraordinarily epic superhero film. The ensemble have great chemistry & all get big Movie Moments to showcase their prowess. The naturalism of Ben Davis’ cinematography spotlights characters’ humanity. pic.twitter.com/MjZ2VheJ56
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) October 19, 2021
Eternals is Marvel’s version of Zack Snyder’s Justice League. A film that builds upon a cast of unknown characters and does so with great success. Chloé Zhao direction is superb. Easily one of the best looking Marvel films of all time. Insane post credits scenes too. #Eternals pic.twitter.com/TbZlqPJxGQ
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) October 19, 2021
#Eternals is epic in every sense of the word. It’s a story that is more massive but simultaneously more down-to-earth than the MCU has ever been. The passion everyone involved had for this movie is present in every scene and it needs to be seen on the biggest screen you can find pic.twitter.com/CyyqPt9dfn
— Jack McBryan (@McBDirect) October 19, 2021
Marvel’s #Eternals is spectacularly weird & rich w/ a new MCU mythology that makes it feel separate from everything else. It’s honestly refreshing. There’s a bittersweetness to the film that you feel in its sunset shots – a definite Chloé Zhao touch. It is soulful & thoughtful pic.twitter.com/pIAFAyhJ4D
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) October 19, 2021
Chloé Zhao’s #Eternals is MESMERIZING and unlike anything we’ve seen before in the MCU. It breaks the the familiar mold and delivers an EPIC and beautifully crafted story that is GRAND, yet grounded in a love of humanity. Watch it in @IMAX.@TheMoviePodcast review October 24. pic.twitter.com/HHFluL8u2H
— Daniel Baptista (@dbapz) October 19, 2021
For more stories on Eternals, check these out:
“Eternals” Featurette Boasts Stunning New Footage & Promises MCU-Changing Epic
New “Eternals” Footage Reveals Epic Battle Between Immortal Beings
New “Eternals” Images Reveal the Deviants
New “Eternals” Footage Hypes “Greatest Warriors the World Has Ever Known”
New “Eternals” Images Tease Marvel’s Most Expansive Film Ever
Featured image: (L-R): Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Ajak (Salma Hayek), Sersi (Gemma Chan), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) and Druig (Barry Keoghan) in Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
