I’m getting weary of the MCU too but Eternals (2021) deserves our support
Eternals deserves a chance not just for the sake of our own entertainment but for what it contributes to the big picture.
Let’s say it like it is. I am old enough to have been around when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) launched 13 years ago. I was there when the craze started and got myself swept away by the wonderful characters and incredible worlds I had been mostly unaware of. I have watched 25 out of the 27 films out there, nearly all at the cinema too. That may come across like I am a huge fan but actually my willingness to spend another ticket on this franchise has diminished year-on-year.
No, I am not as much of a film purist as Scorsese (I did get hooked, after all!) yet I am not blind to the fact that Marvel Studios came up with a formula that has gotten old with time: a few aliens threatening the Earth, some jokes, a dash of romance… you know the drill. Add a bunch of muscly white male protagonists and you’ve got yourself a moneymaker.
Eternals is no exception in regard to the plot but it does punch above its weight in other areas. In spite of its predictability, and all the critic’s backlash, I couldn’t help but like it. I won’t lie and say it’s one of my MCU favorites but it hit me on all the right intersectional feminist spots. If like I was, you too feel skeptical, I hope to convince you to give the movie a chance and come to your own conclusions.
Eternals puts Women in their rightful place (which is not the kitchen)
First of all, the Eternals are led by a woman not just once but twice (and in both instances by ethnically diverse ladies, too!). Their gender is never a factor, they are simply the most qualified person for the job and their leadership is respected by the team (I’ll give Sprite a pass given her emotional circumstances). Not to mention one of them is portrayed by a middle-aged actress (can you believe Salma Hayek is 55?).
Behind the cameras, Chloé Zhao is only the second solo female director in MCU history (remember, out of those nearly 30 films) and she proves to be as competent as any guy. I find it particularly impressive that not only is this her first blockbuster movie but only the fourth in a career made in indie films. I was personally no fan of Nomadland, but there is no denying the craft and potential the Academy saw in her even if the material she had to work with on Eternals wasn’t anything extraordinary.
Finally, it’s also worth noting that we’re officially a far way from the impractical skimpy outfits of female superheroes’ past (we’re looking at you, early Black Widow). The costuming choices prove women onscreen can look amazing without the need to hypersexualize them. Angelina Jolie never looked better, if you ask me.
It also shows there is no one way to be a Superhero
Diversity is a recurring theme in this production, starting with its female asian director and going beyond. Eternals features the most diverse cast in Marvel history, from gender and sexual orientation, and ethnicity to nationality, age, and ability. It even marks another milestone for the MCU: Makkari as their first deaf superhero.
And when it comes to relationship representations, the film doesn’t put love in a box. Platonic. Unrequited. Interracial. Gay. Straight… Eternals does a better job at showing the realities of the world than most movies about the actual real world. Ironic, huh?
I need to highlight how Eternals steers away from the traps of tokenism, leveraging its myriad of characters to enhance the storytelling. Let’s not forget diversity is nothing without inclusion, and Zhao makes sure to give everyone their chance for the spotlight. Every character gets their own arc and it’s clear how each brings something to the table in their own unique way.
That’s cool, but why does it matter?
We are all very exposed to media. A lot. The stories we see shape our views of the world: what’s normal, who matters more in our culture, and what to expect of certain types of people. What we see can reinforce stereotypes and bias that reflect on how we treat people in real life.
And it’s not just me who’s worried about this correlation, there’s a whole research institute dedicated to the topic. So it’s no wonder that with the rise of social media, the demand for diverse, intersectional representations of characters that mirror our world is increasingly on the rise. And Eternals delivers.
This movie not only is enjoyable but it also offers something on top of the magic Marvel formula. And that matters. It deserves a chance not just for the sake of our own entertainment but for what it contributes to the big picture.
Thais Bogarín is a content nerd, cinephile, and intersectional feminist. Follow her on Instagram @tha.is.in.das.haus
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