Eternal 2K - When Destiny Tests Choices
Overall technical quality, the choice to progressively expand the image to widescreen format is curious
The past can transform into an alternative reality, questioning the choices of an entire existence. This is the theme of Eternal, the second feature film written and directed by Ulaa Salim (Sons of Denmark).
Young Elias (Viktor Hjelmsø) and Anita (Anna Søgaard Frandsen) are in love, but a scientific career opportunity in the United States leads him to leave her. Their relationship and painful separation are told naturally, thanks also to the convincing performances of the two protagonists.
The Depths of an Alternative Life
Years later, a more mature Elias (Simon Sears) leads a submarine mission to secure a geological fracture. Contact with the anomaly generates visions of a parallel existence, bringing him back to the choices that separated him from Anita. The sci-fi suggestion opens a reflection on the lives we could have lived, but Salim doesn't always manage to develop its potential.
It loses incisiveness in the finale, when Elias finds a different Anita (Nanna Øland Fabricius). Their conversations lead to predictable developments, while the reference to Interstellar appears evident without reaching its depth. Solid direction, enhanced by the cinematography and the minimalist music of Valgeir Sigurðsson. The romantic component prevails over science fiction: Eternal maintains interest for its reflection on lost opportunities and the consequences of one's choices, as happened in Sliding Doors.
Digitally shot at unspecified video resolution, video format where, due to evident artistic choices, the first 3 chapters are in a more “open” 1.78:1 format, then transitioning to the narrower 2.39:1 (1920 x 1080/24p), AVC/MPEG-4 encoding on BD-25. Despite the single-layer choice, the viewing offers an overall above-average rendition, net of hints of dips in the background underwater sequences. Rich colors and blacks with good overall hold.
Overall, the audio section delivers an excellent sound blend via DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (16 bit), with a whole other level of involvement if listening in original Danish, where the dialogues have superior charisma. Mirroring Dolby Digital 2.0 (224 kbps) tracks are present with the idea of facilitating transit via TV speakers.
The Italian trailer is available as an extra.