The Eternal

In taking audiences through this singular past relationship of connection and regret, Ulaa Salim made and stuck to the choice of favoring a vulnerable mortal story over a larger exhibition.

The youth jury did not find it trite, or boring, or overly sentimental. They appreciated seeing a film about environmental issues, showing an urgency to act even if that brings heartbreaking sacrifices with it. It wasn't for me, but it might be for you.

'Eternal' never quite balances the ecological and amorous threads, and the middle act drifts too often, but the early going is achingly romantic and the end satisfies and moves.

Danish director Ulaa Salim's romantic sci-fi weepie is a glossy but underpowered inner-space odyssey that falls short of its Christopher Nolan-sized ambitions.