ETERNAL. “The Core” in Scandinavian Science Fiction

“Eternal” is a Scandinavian film that uses a science fiction setting to tell a deeply human story. How well does this combination work?

The film is decent and enjoyable to watch, but before I delve into its merits, allow me a bit of teasing. When writing the screenplay for “Eternal”, the creators either had a good laugh or stumbled upon an accidental joke. They filled the film with sexual undertones that resonate from one of the early scenes and stay with us until the end.

Two young people grow closer. When the girl asks the guy what he does, he replies that he’s obsessed with a certain fissure. She encourages him not to be afraid to look into it. Or something like that. But in general, the main theme, which has catastrophic significance—the appearance of a mysterious rift leading to the Earth’s core—gets associated with sex. This unfortunate analogy shapes our perception of the story and refuses to be forgotten.

It sounds like an unintentionally crafted joke, but that’s essentially how “Eternal”‘s plot unfolds. However, if we set aside the teasing, we can find at least a few elements that keep us interested. I must note, though, that seasoned sci-fi fans probably won’t find much in “Eternal”. The focus lies elsewhere.

One of the most intriguing aspects of “Eternal” is the theme of fatherhood, and I must admit it’s what kept me engaged the longest. Not the science fiction, but the human drama. In the context of sci-fi, this theme could easily be overshadowed by futuristic elements or special effects. But we remember that even Nolan, with the bombastic “Interstellar”, ultimately focused on relationships. The creators of the modest “Eternal” managed to balance these two worlds as well, crafting a touching story about the bond between father and child, with an entire cosmos hidden within it.

This subtle yet profound approach to the theme makes “Eternal” stand out among other sci-fi films. It’s also worth appreciating that director Ulaa Salim, despite sometimes clumsily presenting certain plot points as if discovering America, while everything is actually happening in a nearby pond, is nonetheless very sincere in his reflections. I’ve been interested in cinema long enough to distinguish between falsehood and genuine engagement. Salim genuinely wanted to convey something meaningful, and for that, he earns my respect, although my critical duty compels me to point out that it’s done in a rather clichéd way.

The performances also deserve attention. Although the cast isn’t full of famous names, each actor brings something special to the film and performs naturally, effortlessly. Their surprisingly deep interpretations of the characters add authenticity to the film and make the story even more engaging. The scene where the main character interrupts a music lesson to learn the truth about his child—well, I won’t forget that anytime soon.

“Eternal” is a film that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Scandinavian cinema and those who appreciate subtle, slow-paced narratives (bordering on the dull). From the very first minutes, the film draws you in with its calm narrative pace, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the story of two lost people rediscovering each other after years. The fissure that the main character is investigating becomes less a source of danger and more a metaphorical gateway to redemption, offering the chance to correct past mistakes.

The film’s slow rhythm, convincing performances, visual minimalism, emotionally relatable themes, and above all, its sincerity, all contribute to “Eternal”‘s value. Despite moments when it feels like a high school essay, the film ultimately emerges as a worthwhile piece of cinema.