Eternals (2021) is a superhero film directed by Chloé Zhao, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film introduces a new ensemble of characters, the Eternals, an immortal alien race created by the Celestials who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, protecting humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.

The story begins with the Eternals being sent to Earth by the Celestial Arishem over 7,000 years ago to protect humans from the Deviants, monstrous creatures that threaten human existence. The Eternals are forbidden from interfering in human conflicts unless Deviants are involved, leading them to observe human history from the sidelines.

The Eternals are led by Ajak (Salma Hayek), the wise and spiritual leader, and include powerful beings like Ikaris (Richard Madden), who can fly and project energy beams from his eyes; Sersi (Gemma Chan), who can manipulate matter; Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), who can project cosmic energy; Thena (Angelina Jolie), a fierce warrior with the ability to form weapons from cosmic energy; and Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), an intelligent inventor and technopath, among others.

As the film progresses, the Eternals are forced to reunite after centuries apart when a new threat emerges: the Deviants have returned, more powerful than ever. As they gather, they begin to uncover long-hidden secrets about their origin, their mission on Earth, and the true nature of their creators, the Celestials. These revelations lead to conflicts within the group, as they grapple with their loyalty to humanity versus their duty to the Celestials.

Eternals is known for its epic scope, exploring themes of immortality, love, loss, and the moral dilemmas of divine beings. Chloé Zhao’s direction brings a distinct visual style and emotional depth to the film, differentiating it from other entries in the MCU. The film also stands out for its diverse cast and its exploration of different cultures and historical periods.

While Eternals received mixed reviews, with some praising its ambition and others critiquing its complex plot and pacing, it was appreciated for its thought-provoking narrative, its exploration of new corners of the MCU, and its efforts to broaden the scope of superhero storytelling.