Marvel's Eternals Called 'Shocking' and a 'Masterpiece' in Glowing First Reactions
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Eternals is still weeks away from its November release, but early reviews indicate the Marvel film is set to be a hit.
Following the Eternals premiere at L.A.'s El Capitan Theatre Monday, social media reactions began to trickle in with initial reviews of the superhero movie from Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland).
Full reviews will be published starting Sunday when the embargo is lifted, according to The Hollywood Reporter, but film critics and others who saw a screening of the film were allowed to share their reactions to Eternals Monday night.
Watch: Eternals trailer
Marvel Studios
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"Eternals is a whole lot of movie," wrote Marvel podcaster Brandon Davis. "It's shot with a massive scope, looking visually different (and more intimate) than anything else Marvel. It has laughs, great surprises, and heart to go with the gigantic, crowded story it unpacks."
Erik Davis, who works for film sites Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, called the film "spectacularly weird" and "rich," writing, "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."
Film critic Scott Medelson was less impressed with the film, telling his followers he thought Eternals "flirts with being 'just a superhero movie' but (barely) gets by on scale, a few affable actors and some eventual intrugue [sic]," adding, "At its best, it almost plays like Marvel playing in the DCEU sandbox but coasting on comparatively generic superhero archetypes."
RELATED: Kumail Nanjiani Says Costar Angelina Jolie 'Always Hung Out' on Eternals Set
Had the honor of watching #Eternals today. Marvel was never as thrilling and fun and deep as this film, that has one of the action scenes of the entire franchise. Angelina Jolie might be the MVP. Her performance would give her an Oscar, if the Academy was less conservative.👇 pic.twitter.com/JMUYztquIr
— Gabriel Carvalho (@gabirucarvalho) 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
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 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
#Eternals is DENSE & I felt the weight of the exposition often. Movie’s at its best when the focus is on the Eternals recreating their family - the humor of it & the passion when they fight for each other and the things they love. Also, Angelina Jolie in the MCU is EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/rMJz0U2It2
— Perrinormal Activity (@PNemiroff) October 19, 2021
Eternals tells the story of the titular group of superheroes secretly living on Earth who re-join together to fight the Deviants and keep humans safe from evil.
The cast includes Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie.
Eternals hits theaters Nov. 5
Watch: The Eternals reunite for premiere of new film