A24’s "Eternity" Brings Queer Perspectives to the Afterlife: David Freyne’s Metaphysical Rom-Com Premieres November 14

The upcoming release of "Eternity," directed by David Freyne and distributed by A24, marks a significant moment for LGBTQ+ cinema and romantic comedies. Scheduled for national release on November 14, 2025, the film is already generating buzz for its metaphysical twist on the classic love triangle and its commitment to authentic representation in front of and behind the camera .

"Eternity" unfolds in a vividly imagined afterlife where souls are granted one week to decide where—and with whom—they will spend eternity. The story centers on Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), who faces an agonizing choice: her lifelong partner Larry (Miles Teller), or her first love Luke (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her arrival .

According to the official synopsis, Joan’s journey is not only about love and loss but also about identity and self-acceptance, themes highly resonant within the LGBTQ+ community. Director David Freyne, known for his previous work on "Dating Amber"—a film celebrated for its sensitive depiction of queer youth—brings a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences to "Eternity" .

While the central love triangle features cisgender, heterosexual characters, A24 has announced that "Eternity" will include LGBTQ+ supporting characters and storylines, reflecting the diversity of relationships and identities within the afterlife setting . Early promotional materials highlight queer couples and chosen families navigating their own eternal decisions—a narrative choice that signals a broader commitment to inclusion, both onscreen and in creative development.

Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, and Callum Turner headline the film, but several nonbinary and transgender actors are also credited in supporting roles, further affirming the film's inclusive approach . In interviews, Freyne has spoken about the importance of casting authentically and ensuring that every character’s story is told with dignity and respect .

"Eternity" distinguishes itself from traditional rom-coms by embedding metaphysical questions within its narrative. The film’s afterlife setting offers space to explore themes of love, regret, and the courage to embrace one’s true self—concepts that resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences, many of whom have faced societal pressure to conform or suppress their identities .

The screenplay, written by Pat Cunnane, is described as witty and heartfelt, blending humor with moments of poignant self-reflection. Early reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival premiere praised the film’s gentle handling of queer themes and the chemistry between its leads .

The announcement of "Eternity" has been met with enthusiastic anticipation from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and film organizations. Many have highlighted A24’s history of supporting diverse voices, noting that "Eternity" continues a trend of challenging Hollywood’s heteronormative standards .

Social media channels, including Instagram: @a24, have showcased behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew members discussing the importance of chosen families and queer representation in film . The film’s trailer, set to premiere August 21, is expected to further ignite conversation around the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ storytelling in mainstream cinema .

As "Eternity" prepares for its November release, it stands as a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and the importance of representation in media. By centering queer experiences within a universal, metaphysical framework, the film invites audiences of all backgrounds to reflect on what it means to love and be loved—across time, space, and identity.

With strong early reviews, a talented and diverse cast, and a director dedicated to affirming all LGBTQ+ identities, "Eternity" is poised to become a landmark film for the community and for the romantic comedy genre at large .