Remember the ending scene of “Titanic” where Rose, after passing away, reunites with Jack at the ship’s staircase, as if time stood still? You might think, “Wow, Rose’s real husband is in for a surprise when he finds out she’s been holding a flame for a guy from a brief fling in 1912.” This awkward scenario is the foundation of “Eternity,” an imaginative rom-com with clever world-building reminiscent of “The Good Place” and “A Matter of Life and Death.” The movie delights with its charming portrayal of a love triangle, winning over audiences with its humor and endearing characters.

Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) and Larry (Miles Teller) have shared a mostly happy marriage for over six decades. However, after Larry meets an untimely end due to a pretzel mishap, he discovers the truth about the afterlife. Here, everyone chooses their perfect eternity — options like Beach World or a male-free heaven abound — but once decided, it’s forever. Larry settles on an afterlife plan thinking Joan will join him soon. Yet, when Joan passes just a week later, they face a twist. Her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), a dashing soldier from the Korean War, has awaited her arrival for 67 years to journey to the afterlife together. Awkward indeed! How can Larry possibly compete with that?

This unusual love triangle keeps audiences guessing because each character offers compelling reasons for Joan’s affection. The performances avoid the typical rom-com clichés, with Luke and Larry both lovable in their unique ways: Larry, grumpy but deeply dedicated, and Luke, the ideal but humble war hero. “Eternity” offers a refreshing surprise by allowing actors Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, and Callum Turner, none primarily known for comedy, to shine humorously.

Joan, Larry, and Luke’s story is gently supported by their Afterlife Coordinators (ACs), Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early), who are rekindled by the romance unfolding before them. The stakes are high — any bad decision affects their eternal life. Joan faces a tough choice: continue with the warmth and stability Larry provided or explore the missed opportunity with Luke that fate once denied them.

What stands out in “Eternity” is its swift and immersive world-building, thanks to an excellent production design that fills each scene with clever details and visual humor. While the afterlife appears whimsical, there’s an underlying darkness shown through repeated attempts by characters to escape their chosen eternities. Spending eternity on a beach might sound pleasant initially, but the true meaning of forever is daunting for humans to grasp.

Films with high concepts often start strong but lose steam while extending the idea to a full-length feature. “Eternity,” although encountering some challenges in its third act, remains engaging and well-paced. Its appeal lies in having more layers beyond the central romantic plot, including captivating side characters like the Afterlife Coordinators who could benefit from deeper exploration. Additionally, the film delves into philosophical musings on the afterlife, echoing classic romantic comedies and Hollywood dramas from World War II’s aftermath that pondered life after death. With such depth, “Eternity” offers a richer experience than initially anticipated by its viewers.

“Eternity” premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It opens in limited theaters on November 14 before releasing widely on November 26.