The Main Issue With Each MCU Phase 4 Entry (So Far)

5. Eternals - Struggled To Balance Worldbuilding And Character Development

Although most fans and critics consider Eternals to be the worst MCU film, this is far from the truth. It benefits from being a less conventional MCU feature in its expansive storytelling, tangible visuals and sombre tone, but unfortunately this is all it has to differentiate itself from some of its more generic franchise siblings.

Its narrative was jam-packed to the gills with the backstories of ten distinct characters, additional supporting characters, antagonists and the exploration of the MCU's cosmic realms. Characters such as Makkari and Kingo were given the short end of the stick in regards to development, and the reason behind the Eternals' existence and purpose (especially in light of Thanos' actions on Earth) were poorly thought out.

These many moving components proved to be the film’s undoing as its runtime failed in balancing so many plot lines and characters. The film would have benefitted from being a Disney Plus series where the additional runtime would have given the storylines more time to breathe and achieve the desired narrative and emotional impact.