Marvel movies have gotten predictable, for better or worse. We know most of the central heroes pretty well, from Iron Man all the way up through Doctor Strange. As we move into Phase 4 of the MCU, though, many of those familiar faces are out of the picture. Marvel’s Eternals has been the biggest question mark for the MCU since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1. Now the first social media reactions are rolling in from critics and journalists, giving us an idea of what to expect.
First reactions to Marvel’s Eternals are, thankfully, overwhelmingly positive, calling it “the most shocking and surprising Marvel movie you’ll see,” “captivating,” and “ambitious.
Nerdist’s Dan Casey called Eternals “delightfully comic book-y,” and “Jack Kirby’s space cods done right.”
#Eternals is one of Marvel’s most ambitious films. Epic in scope, lavishly shot, and totally unapologetic about how much lore it dumps on you.
Terrific cast, great direction, and delightfully comic book-y. Def not for everyone, but these are Jack Kirby’s space gods done right. pic.twitter.com/fsuexvcTwY— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) October 19, 2021
#Eternals was one of my most anitcapted movies of the year and I’m happy to report that it did not disappoint at all. Chloé Zhao takes you on a thrilling and emotional journey. The visuals are incredible and the cast absolutely kills it. The cosmic side of the MCU is expanding🔥 pic.twitter.com/fvqOtuAuxb
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) October 19, 2021
The film seems to be a more mature take on a Marvel movie as well, showing the rare (but “very G-rated”) sex scene.
#Eternals , which I really enjoyed for its tremendous ensemble, is objectively the sexiest movie Marvel has ever made. As in an actual sex scene (very G rated tho). Two men kissing. Richard Madden and Angelina’s faces.
— Matt Donnelly (@MattDonnelly) October 19, 2021
For all the news surrounding Kumail Nanjiani’s physical transformation for the film, he still seems to be very much in his wheelhouse.
Our own Chris Hayner went in much as many of us will–knowing absolutely nothing about the movie, thanks in part to the opaque advertising campaign–but “walked out a fan.”
#Eternals breaks new ground for the MCU and not in all the ways you’re expecting. Alternating between beautiful and baffling, epic and intimate, it’s a movie of huge ideas, where the sentiment often matters more than anything going on in the story. I can’t wait to see it again.🪐 pic.twitter.com/KE6oHlU8xI
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) October 19, 2021
With the sweeping visuals by Chloé Zhao and an ensemble filled with actors that feel destined for the MCU, #Eternals is unlike any other Marvel movie. So many great twists and the chemistry of the cast really make this movie one to watch
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) October 19, 2021
ETERNALS: in style & tone this is easily the least Marvel-like movie in the MCU (it doesn’t look like plastic. also, sex happens) & the scale is cosmic in a way that makes the avengers arc feel like a blip. so why is it still just misfit spandex people fighting bad CG for 3 hours
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) October 19, 2021
Marvel’s #Eternals is spectacularly weird & rich w/ a new MCU mythology that makes it feel separate from everything else. 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 pic.twitter.com/pIAFAyhJ4D
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) October 19, 2021
Marvel’s Eternals is just a few weeks away, but spoilers are already circulating, especially about an end credits scene (beware spoilers!). There’s one last trailer to check out, but the film is just weeks away, as Marvel’s Eternals hits theaters on November 5, 2021.