Here’s How Eternals Successfully Teased Cosmic Horror Hiding Within The MCU!
Eternals is the most recent film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it introduces characters, unlike anything the MCU has ever seen before. The film also utilized abilities they were born with. Eternals also introduced the Celestials in all of their glory.
Cosmic horror; a concept that was introduced in the works of H. P. Lovecraft is often happening when a person faces something which is far beyond their comprehension. The resulting dread and hopelessness that comes from a presence the mind can’t comprehend often go on to spark a primal fear that feels ancient and unrelenting as well.
During Eternals, the Celestials are discussed and revered by characters especially Ajak. But their true scope was not felt in the movie until she talks to Arishem, the Judge. The moment he appears, his presence engulfs the screen in red and leaves Ajak as nothing but a mere speck compared to him. The scene even complimented Jack Kirby’s original designs for the Celestials so that they could display their massive size as humanity looks in awe and terror both.
Of course, the Guardians of the Galaxy did tease a Celestial presence, but their size was nothing compared to what they had shown in the Eternals. Arishem’s size, attitude, and commanding voice have the power to shake anyone to their core and even immediately evokes questions of what other similar beings may exist in the universe.
However, it was not until later in the film when Sersi met with Arishem and he explains their grand plan. The reason Eternals are sent to help humanity advance is to feed the growing Celestial seed within Earth. When the population reached a point that it can give the “seed” enough energy and that is when a Celestial will be born and further destroy the host planet.
But rather than joining in the cause, Sersi instead chooses to stop the birth
From this very moment, the film goes on to take a bleaker tone as concepts such as the end of the world begin to take precedence. The other time this was truly felt in the MCU was when Thanos snapped his fingers. However, there was still hope to cling to.
Eternals defying their creators and denying the birth of a “God” already felt like a battle loss. And the cosmic terror that comes from this idea stems from the very concept that there are beings who are more powerful than anything that has been previously introduced and for them, humanity is nothing more than a teeny creature on their radar.
The Eternals successfully stop the birth of a Celestial and audiences are left trying to process the scope of what was dwelling in their Earth. The head and hand of a space God came up and gave us a feeling that many bigger things are coming for all of us.
And then Arishem kidnaps the Eternals and says that he will decide if humanity can live but his decision will be based on the memories of Kingo, Phastos, and Sersi and he will judge if they are worth saving.
The Celestials show how terrifying horror can come in many forms in the MCU. There is still a lot to explore in the new aspect of the universe and we can’t wait to see how Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness explore it.
