WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Eternals, in theaters now.
Eternals is a unique film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to its introduction of characters unlike anything the MCU has ever seen before. For example, the Eternals of the film utilize abilities they were born with. In the past, most heroes in the MCU either created their abilities or had them awakened through external means, like an Infinity Stone. Eternals also introduces the Celestials in all of their glory. Rather than evoke a feeling of awe, their presence instead sparks a cosmic dread never before felt in the MCU.
Cosmic horror is a concept introduced in the works of H.P. Lovecraft and often happens when a person faces something beyond their comprehension. The resulting dread and hopelessness that comes from a presence the mind can't comprehend often sparks a primal fear that feels ancient and unrelenting.
Throughout Eternals, the Celestials are discussed and revered by characters like Ajak (Salma Hayek). However, their true scope isn't felt until she speaks with Arishem the Judge. The moment he appears, his presence engulfs the screen in red and leaves Ajak as nothing more than a speck compared to him. The scene compliments Jack Kirby's original designs for the Celestials, displaying their massive size as humanity looks on in awe and terror.
While Guardians of the Galaxy teased a Celestial presence, their size was nothing compared to what is shown in Eternals. Arishem's size and commanding voice have the power to shake anyone to their core and immediately evokes questions of what other similar beings may exist in the universe.
However, it isn't until later in the film when Sersi (Gemma Chan) meets 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 reaches a point that it can give the seed enough energy, a Celestial will be born, destroying the host planet. Rather than join in the cause, Sersi instead chooses to stop the birth.
From this point, the film takes a bleaker tone as concepts such as the end of the world begin to take precedence. The only other time this has been truly felt in the MCU was when Thanos snapped his fingers. However, even then, there was still a sliver of hope to cling to. In comparison, the idea of the Eternals defying their creators and denying the birth of a God feels like a losing battle. The cosmic terror that comes from this idea stems from the concept that there are beings far more powerful than anything previously introduced, and to them, humanity is nothing more than a blip on their radar. Therefore, to defy and face them feels equally insignificant.
Once the Eternals successfully stop the birth of a Celestial, audiences have no choice but to sit back and try to process the scope of what was dwelling in their Earth. The head and hand of a space God scratching the heavens evokes a feeling that there are many things in the universe that the Earth may still not be ready for. However, even after their success, the Eternals are taken by Arishem, who decides that humanity can live, but based on the memories of Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) and Sersi, Arishem will judge if they are worth saving. As the being scolds his creations, his presence is as daunting as it is spine-chilling.
The Celestials show how horror can come in many forms in the MCU. While there is still more to explore in this new aspect of the universe, it also indicates the eldritch dangers that hide within. For now, Eternals serves as a taste of the terrors hiding in the cosmos, but films like Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness could explore them further.
To feel the scope of the Celestials, Marvel Studios' Eternals is now in theaters.