5 Things About ‘Eternals’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

The Eternals (2021) introduced a bold new chapter in the MCU, bringing a group of immortal beings to the big screen with a sprawling, cosmic story. Its ambitious scope and diverse cast won some fans over, but others found parts confusing or flat, while certain elements hit all the right notes.

This list breaks down five aspects of The Eternals that left audiences puzzled and five that worked brilliantly. Let’s dive into what didn’t add up and what felt just right.

The Eternals’ Non-Interference Rule (Zero Sense)

The Eternals are told by their creators, the Celestials, not to meddle in human conflicts unless Deviants are involved. Yet, they witness wars, disasters, and genocides for centuries without acting, which feels inconsistent with their supposed care for humanity.

This rule is never fully explained, and their sudden shift to defy it feels abrupt. It makes their loyalty to the Celestials seem hollow and their motivations murky.

The Stunning Visuals (Perfect Sense)

The film’s visuals are breathtaking, from sweeping landscapes to cosmic Celestial designs. Director Chloé Zhao uses natural light and real locations to create a grounded yet otherworldly feel.

Every frame, whether it’s a Mesopotamian village or a star-filled sky, looks like a painting. The cinematography makes the Eternals’ world vivid and immersive.

Ikaris’ Betrayal (Zero Sense)

Ikaris’ turn as a secret loyalist to the Celestials’ plan feels forced and poorly set up. His love for Sersi is emphasized, but his willingness to sacrifice humanity contradicts his character development.

The reveal lacks enough buildup to feel earned. It’s a twist that leaves viewers confused rather than shocked, as his motives remain vague.

The Diverse Cast (Perfect Sense)

The Eternals’ diverse team, with varied backgrounds, genders, and abilities, feels fresh for the MCU. Actors like Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, and Brian Tyree Henry bring depth to their roles.

This mix reflects humanity’s complexity, making the team relatable despite their immortality. It’s a bold step that grounds the cosmic story in real-world representation.

The Deviants’ Sudden Evolution (Zero Sense)

The Deviants, the Eternals’ ancient enemies, suddenly gain intelligence and a leader in Kro with no clear explanation. Their shift from mindless beasts to strategic foes feels convenient for the plot.

This change gets little backstory, making their role confusing. It’s a missed chance to flesh out their purpose beyond being generic villains.

The Historical Flashbacks (Perfect Sense)

The film’s flashbacks, spanning centuries from Babylon to the Gupta Empire, are a highlight. They show the Eternals shaping human history while grappling with their own bonds.

These scenes add depth to their relationships and make their immortality tangible. The mix of historical settings and personal drama keeps the story engaging.

The Celestial Emergence Plan (Zero Sense)

The idea that Earth is a seed for a new Celestial, with the Eternals protecting it unknowingly, is a stretch. The plan’s scale is so massive it’s hard to buy that none of them questioned it for millennia.

The logic of sacrificing billions for a single Celestial feels flimsy and underexplored. It leaves the stakes feeling more confusing than epic.

The Ensemble Chemistry (Perfect Sense)

The Eternals’ group dynamic, with clashing personalities like Druig’s rebellion and Kingo’s humor, feels authentic. Their shared history creates tension and warmth that carry the film.

Each character gets moments to shine, making their interactions compelling. This sense of family grounds the cosmic plot and keeps viewers invested.

Sprite’s Human Envy (Zero Sense)

Sprite’s longing to be human and her betrayal due to it feel underdeveloped. Her childlike appearance is a factor, but the film doesn’t dig deep enough into her emotional struggle.

Her actions seem sudden and lack the weight of a well-built arc. It’s a subplot that could’ve been powerful but ends up feeling flat.

The Cosmic Scope (Perfect Sense)

The film’s exploration of Celestials and their role in creating planets and stars adds a grand layer to the MCU. It makes the universe feel vast and interconnected.

The Eternals’ connection to this cosmic cycle gives their story a mythic weight. It sets up future MCU stakes in a way that feels bold and exciting.

What moments in The Eternals left you confused or amazed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!