Fantasy Rom-Com 'Eternity' Starring Elizabeth Olsen Hits Theaters Amidst Fierce December 2025 Competition

The fantasy romantic comedy film titled 'Eternity,' featuring lead performances by Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, has commenced its theatrical run following its initial debut on November 26, 2025. A24 is handling the distribution for the picture, which saw a limited release across the United States starting November 14, 2025. The narrative delves into a complex predicament set in the afterlife, where souls are allotted precisely one week to make their final, binding choice regarding how they will spend the remainder of their existence. David Frain directed the project, and he also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Patrick Cunnane.

The movie premiered on September 7, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it garnered generally favorable reviews from critics. It currently holds a 76 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 61 based on the Metacritic scale. The central plot revolves around Olsen’s character, Joan Cutler, who finds herself in a transitional space after death, known as 'The Crossroads' or 'The Hub.' Here, she faces the monumental task of choosing between two significant figures: Larry (Miles Teller), the husband with whom she shared a long life, and Luke (Callum Turner), her first love who perished during the Korean War and has been awaiting her for decades.

The circumstances of their respective deaths are distinct: Joan succumbed to cancer, while Larry passed away due to asphyxiation at a gender-reveal party. In this afterlife setting, their physical appearances reflect their happiest moments. The world constructed for 'Eternity' is characterized by a highly bureaucratic approach to eternal life, offering various 'branded' afterlife options, such as 'Queer World' or 'Studio 54 World.' This quirky element introduces a unique flavor to the genre.

Teller’s performance anchors the film with a sense of grounded reliability, while Turner portrays Luke with a gentle assurance cultivated by his long period of waiting. Supporting roles are filled by the afterlife coordinators, Anna (played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early), who inject necessary comedic relief, gently nudging the protagonists toward resolving their eternal quandary. The film runs for 1 hour and 52 minutes, utilizing its core concept to explore profound questions about the essence of love. Joan must ultimately decide what holds greater value for her: the comfort derived from long-term commitment or the potent, unrealized passion of her youth.

As 'Eternity' enters the broader market, December 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster month for cinema, presenting substantial competitive pressure for the A24 release. Netflix is slated to launch the drama 'Jay Kelly,' directed by Noah Baumbach and starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, on December 5, following its limited theatrical run that began November 14, 2025. Furthermore, Netflix is preparing to conclude the fifth season of 'Stranger Things,' with the final four episodes scheduled for December, culminating in the series finale on New Year's Eve. Adding to the holiday movie rush is the highly anticipated third installment of the detective franchise, 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' featuring Daniel Craig. The ultimate success of 'Eternity' will hinge on its capacity to deeply connect with audiences seeking meaningful cinematic experiences amidst the flurry of holiday premieres.