"Eternity" Stars Share Intriguing Viewpoint on Modern Rom-coms

In the recent A24 release "Eternity", a delightful romantic comedy starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner, there is a unique twist. Set in an ethereal afterlife, the film creates a timeless appeal, unlike most rom-coms of our time.

In the film, Olsen and Teller portray previously deceased characters in their 90s. However, in the afterlife, they appear as 30-year-olds, the age at which they were happiest. This intriguing concept extends to more than just the ability to play characters their own age. Discussing the film, Olsen raised an unexpected difficulty when it comes to portraying modern day romance.

In her own words, "Being 36 years old, it's hard for me to imagine acting in a romantic comedy based on the modern world. I feel detached from the current pop culture, so it would be challenging to accurately depict this specific culture. There might be more ease in enacting a romance in a fantasy realm, free from societal expectations and cultural accuracy prerequisites."

Interestingly, "Eternity" seems to echo with a nostalgic feel, as if borrowed from films from her mother's time, said Olsen. While some cinematic love stories, like A24's other 2025 release "Materialists", hinge heavily on contemporary elements, "Eternity" brushes aside earthly markers of time completely.

Olsen's character Joan, rather than navigating dating apps and today's societal pressures, faces a unique dilemma in the afterlife. She finds herself torn between her long-deceased husband and her first love, creating an unusual rom-com scenario that has intrigued and delighted fans of the genre.

It appears that this exploration of romantic comedies through an unconventional lens is a thing Olsen embraces with enthusiasm. "Being a 90-year-old in a body of a 30-something felt like an opportunity that I wouldn't have again. It resonated with how I felt, somehow," she reflected.

Despite mixed reviews, "Eternity" garnered a respectable score of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. With its unconventional blend of romance and comedy, it has distinctively marked itself as a favorite among many moviegoers.

Whether it's love in afterlife or other untapped settings, it's clear that Olsen's take on non-contemporary rom-coms has struck a chord. If she continues in this unique direction, audiences are likely to go along for the ride. Following her lead, Miles Teller and Callum Turner's performances as elderly souls in youthful bodies make "Eternity" a brilliantly crafted romantic tale currently available in theaters.