Eternity and California Schemin' included in Collider's films of TIFF 2025 →

The TIFF 2025 Films That Made the Greatest Impact as We Approach the Oscars.

“McAvoy’s debut moulds the underdog crowd-pleaser tale into something richer, reminding us that the most entertaining cons often carry the sharpest truths. California Schemin’ is confident, entertaining, and deeply personal. McAvoy creates a story of ambition, prejudice, and performance that gives Scotland’s underdog spirit its due.”

“A24 is ending the year on a high note with Eternity, from director David Freyne, which takes a fun afterlife twist on the love triangle that’s both charming and clever. Eternity is a step in the right direction for the more ambitious comedies coming out of A24, while also having a broader appeal, which the studio has struggled with. It's also one of the better theatrical romances to come out in a while, acting almost like a post-life Challengers, just with death instead of tennis. Eternity might not hit the heights it could have with its concept, but it's pretty heavenly regardless.”

Eternity Review: A strange but moving story about hard choices at the end of the road. TIFF 2025 Review →

Eternity is a strong case for David Freyne as a filmmaker to watch, providing a movie that artfully balances eccentricity, humor and heart in equal measure. The core performances shine through to keep the audience engaged in this afterlife love triangle, with Elizabeth Olsen in particular once again proving why she is one of our best actresses currently working.

8/10

Via IGN

James McAvoy Hits All the Right Notes With a Funny, Soulful Directorial Debut | TIFF 2025 Review →

The first half of the film bounces between cheeky energy, montages, and comical set pieces before sliding into dark paranoia, with cracks starting to emerge. That type of tonal shift is hard to manage in a debut, but McAvoy pulls it off by never losing sight of his characters, structuring the film as a character study in some ways. He knows when to step back and let Ross and Bottomley carry the emotional weight, and when to punch up the absurdity, so the bigger themes don’t get too heavy. McAvoy never makes a joke out of the real-life young men; instead, he treats their story with empathy, showing that while the accents were fake, their music and ambition were always real.

8/10

Via Collider

James McAvoy to Headline Zurich Festival’s Sounds Section With Directorial Debut ‘California Schemin’ →

Zurich will host the European premiere of California Schemin on Oct. 4 at the festival’s award ceremony in the Zurich Opera House, with McAvoy attending as the evening’s special guest. California Schemin will have its world premiere at the Toronto film festival next month.

“California Schemin’ is a highly entertaining music film based on a true story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of show business and revealing how thin the line between reality and illusion can be,” said Zurich festival director Christian Jungen.

Via THR

Eternity Trailer and November Release Set →

Elizabeth Olsen has a big decision ahead of her in the trailer for the A24 feature Eternity.

Miles Teller and Callum Turner also star in the romantic comedy from director David Freyne. The movie is set to premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival ahead of its theatrical release in November. John Early, Olga Merediz and Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph round out the cast. (via Hollywood Reporter)