Can I Skip the Eternals?
Our Verdict: The Eternals is non-essential viewing for casual MCU fans, but rewarding for devotees interested in expanding cosmic mythology. Consider watching if you enjoy slower-paced, epic sci-fi and appreciate the MCU‘s first major step towards inclusive representation.
Who Are the Eternals and Why the Mixed Reviews?
The Eternals are ancient, immortal alien beings created by the godlike Celestials to defend Earth from the monstrous Deviants. Introduced in 2021‘s Eternals film directed by acclaimed indie auteur Chloé Zhao, they represent a new corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) cosmic mythology.
Critical and audience reception to Eternals was decidedly mixed. It garnered just 47% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71% among audiences, making it one of the lowest-rated MCU films.
| Eternals Rotten Tomatoes Scores |
|---|
| Critics: 47% |
| Audience: 71% |
Positive reviews praised its visual splendor, unconventional direction by Zhao, and inclusive cast featuring the MCU‘s first deaf superhero (Makkari) and openly gay superhero (Phastos). However, many criticized its languid pace, opaque lore, and lack of connection to the wider MCU after Avengers: Endgame.
High-Level Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Spanning centuries, Eternals explores this group of immortal, super-powered aliens hiding among humans, only periodically intervening in human affairs. In the present day, the Eternals reunite to face their ancient foes, the ravenous Deviants.
Through liberal use of flashbacks, we learn about the heroes‘ origins, powers, and complex relationships. Key characters include Sersi, who can transmutate matter; Ikaris, who flies and shoots cosmic beams; speedster Makkari; psychic Thena; and Sprite, an illusionist eternally trapped as a child.
Central conflicts emerge between Eternals loyal to the Celestials and those who believe protecting humanity is more vital than their creators‘ grand designs. The Deviants also return to wipe out humanity, forcing the Eternals to choose sides.
Is Eternals Essential Viewing for MCU Fans?
While appreciated by some hardcore fans, Eternals is non-essential viewing for casual MCU viewers just looking to follow the core Avengers storyline. It mainly functions as a mythology expansion introducing Celestials, Deviants, and the Eternals themselves.
Connections to the wider MCU are limited besides some references to Captain America, Iron Man, Thanos and the Avengers. However, Eternals provides foundation for the MCU‘s future cosmic storylines, as the Celestials are extremely powerful, godlike figures.
Eternals-MCU Connections
- References events of The Avengers, Captain America films
- Obscure connections to Thanos as fellow Eternal
- Role of Celestials in cosmic lore
- Setup for future cosmic storylines
So while not mandatory viewing, Eternals offers loyal MCU fans useful background likely to play larger roles in Phase 4 and beyond.
The Pros: Cosmic Scope, Representation, Visuals
For viewers open to a mythology-expanding cosmic epic, Eternals brings several strengths:
- Introduces Celestials and cosmic lore vital to MCU future
- Explores themes of human purpose, morality, and connection
- Boasts most inclusive, diverse MCU cast yet
- Zhao‘s direction provides unconventional tone
- Stunning visuals and special effects
Eternals sprawling scope, themes, and distinct tone help set it apart thematically from other MCU entries. The Celestials are also extremely powerful entities in Marvel Comics lore, which suggests they will continue to shape events.
The inclusive cast provides meaningful representation, including the first hearing impaired superhero and openly gay character in the MCU. The characters are complex figures wrestling with issues of identity, connection, and human worth.
Visually, Eternals impresses through Zhao‘s signature sweeping shots and a sunny, pastoral look juxtaposed against high-tech science fiction elements. The visual effects convincingly convey cosmic beings with godlike powers.
The Cons: Slow Pace, Opaque Lore, Less MCU Connectivity
While Eternals reaches for bold sci-fi ideas, it also stumbles in areas that disappointed critics and audiences:
- Languid pace and lengthy 2 hour, 37 minute runtime
- Dense lore can be confusing for those unfamiliar with comics
- Little connection with broader MCU continuity post-Endgame
- Deviations from beloved Eternals comic source material
More than any past MCU installment, Eternals feels detached from the central Avengers narrative, functioning almost as a standalone spinoff. Besides some token references, it does little to advance Endgame‘s story threads. This makes it inessential viewing for casual viewers just following the core storyline.
While Zhao‘s artistic sensibilities bring merit, the contemplative pace and opaque cosmic lore felt indulgent to some hoping for a faster-paced superhero adventure. The convoluted mythology exposition may test the patience of the average viewer.
The Verdict: Rewarding for Devotees, Skippable for Casual Fans
Overall, while flawed, Eternals succeeds as a mythology-expanding cosmic saga for patient MCU fans open to an unconventional approach. The scope, themes, and visual artistry make it a unique, worthwhile chapter for devotees.
But more casual Marvel viewers seeking continuity with the Avengers storyline and snappier superhero action are safe skipping it. The detachment from ongoing narrative threads renders it non-vital.
Eternals is best viewed as an ambitious, mythology-building detour into the cosmic side of the MCU likely to pay dividends in future films. Think of it like supplemental reading for devoted fans rather than required homework for casuals. The rewards are there for those with the appetite for a sprawling, esoteric sci-fi vision.