A24
David Freyne’s 2025 romantic dramedy “Eternity” represents a type of film that is rare today: intelligent, humorous, and unexpectedly deep. Though it was released with minimal promotion, it has now become a streaming sensation, ranking as the second most-viewed film on Apple TV+ according to Flix Patrol, outpacing titles like Wolfs (the top-viewed film ever in 2024 on the service), “The Gorge,” and Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” among others.
Crafted by Freyne and Pat Cunnane, “Eternity” explores an engaging, albeit melancholic, high-concept premise. Imagine that upon dying, you find yourself (or rather your spirit) in a realm with other deceased individuals where you can select your preferred form of eternity (well, for all of eternity), and determine who you wish to share it with. To aid in making this choice, you’re paired with an afterlife coordinator who will navigate you through the entire procedure, illuminating the regulations needed to make the irrevocable choice.
This journey unfolds through the perspective of Larry (Miles Teller), whose life concludes at an advanced age when he inadvertently chokes on a pretzel, only to awaken on a train in the guise of his younger self (symbolizing the happiest period of his life) heading toward a location known as Junction, resembling a vast convention hall for lost souls. Larry opts to wait for his wife, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), but he’s not alone in this regard. Luke (Callum Turner), her first spouse who perished in the Korean War, has also been anticipating a reunion with his true love for decades.