Why Eternals Rotten Tomatoes Score Is Now Rotten

The Eternals’ Rotten Tomatoes score has already dropped below fresh, and here is why. Directed by award-winning director Chloé Zhao, the superhero epic showcases an ensemble cast, including Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanijani, and Kit Harington. Eternals sees the immortal race of the same name resurfacing from their millennia-long hiding to save humanity from the Deviants. Even ahead of its theatrical release, Eternals has received a mixed early critical reception.

This initial reaction to the Eternals is concretely expressed in its critic ratings and reviews. Following its world premiere in October, the film has struggled to maintain its score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. It originally landed a 75% rating when fewer reviews were included, but eventually, its score dropped to 58% from 144 reviews, becoming not only the lowest-rated MCU film but also the first one to be rated Rotten. While it has also become the latest among the Marvel entries to be subjected to review bombing that doesn't reflect the Rotten Tomatoes score, but rather an opinion by motivated individuals seeking to derail hype pre-release. The critical score, arguably, is more ruinous for Marvel Studios. With the film making history in this manner, this raises the question: why has Eternals’ Rotten Tomatoes score dropped?

As more people review the film negatively, the lower the Eternals' Rotten Tomatoes score becomes. Unfortunately, most of its disapproving feedback lies in the fact that Eternals is helmed by an independent filmmaker. Critics point out that either the movie is not “Marvel enough,” taking into account its visual distinction from the others in the franchise, or it lacks the trademark directorial touch of Zhao, which is a result of her genius being limited to the superhero genre. They also acknowledge the absence of wit and humor Marvel films are known for. While presenting a unique perspective is ideally a cause for acclaim, Eternals has seemingly attempted to deviate from the traditional, tried-and-tested, yet broken MCU formula, only to fail in its execution. As a result, despite a star-studded performance, critics claim that it falls flat in its exposition and pacing, with generic characters and lulling narrative.

Moreover, the film has also displeased critics because of its inclusive cast. Eternals marks a milestone in the MCU, as the first to include characters of different races, gender identities, and disabilities. However, some reviews state their disappointment towards Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), the first openly gay superhero, who shares an on-screen kiss with his husband. Although this is not the first LGBTQ+ character in the franchise — with Joe Russo’s cameo in Avengers: Endgame being gay and Loki being mentioned as bisexual and genderfluid — there is arguably a level of discomfort with Phastos being a focal point in the story.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time that an MCU film has been reviewed poorly. In 2019, Captain Marvel received backlash mainly because it centered on a female superhero and was directed by a female filmmaker, but ultimately, its critic rating improved. Hopefully, with Eternals’ theatrical release, the audience can now contribute to its Rotten Tomatoes score. While some critics have raised valid points, which then resulted in a Rotten score, viewers should also consider the actual merit of the film and not just the unnecessary hate towards mainstream gender representation and the franchise itself.

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