Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” may have been met with mixed reviews and below box office expectations, but Chloe Zhao’s film dared to be different from the rest of the generic superhero flicks by having a more auteur vision and taking a more humanistic approach to its storytelling about eternal beings from across the cosmos living amongst humans. But for those that missed it in theaters, they will now have a chance to see it on Disney+ when it hits the streaming service on January 12, 2022.
The outstanding ensemble cast includes Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, with Kit Harington as Dane Whitman, with Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena.
In “Eternals”, a group of heroes from beyond the stars who had protected the Earth since the dawn of man. When monstrous creatures called the Deviants, long thought lost to history, mysteriously return, the Eternals are forced to reunite in order to defend humanity once again.
“Eternals” joins 13 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, which gives subscribers more picture with an expanded aspect ratio for an immersive viewing experience at home (content availability varies by region). Of course, nothing makes up for a true theatrical experience, especially for a film like “Eternals” where its size and scope benefits from being seen on the largest screen possible.
Zhao’s talents for presenting nature as is without the use of green screen and VFX helps bring out the human spirit. Combing that talent with VFX really allows us to see superheroes in a new light without it having it feel overly formulaic and generic. And while seeing it at home may not have the same impact, it still ends up being something wholly unique from its MCU predecessors.
“Eternals” launches on Disney+ on January 12, 2022.