OVERLAY REPORT

In the film *Eternals* (2021), the plot is set in motion by a series of escalating events in the "present day" (shortly after the events of *Avengers: Endgame*). While the film spans 7,000 years, the following specific actions trigger the main narrative: ### 1. The "Emergence" Begins (The Macro-Catalyst) The return of half of Earth’s population following "The Blip" (from *Avengers: Endgame*) provided the final surge of life energy required for the **Emergence**—the birth of a new Celestial named Tiamut, who has been gestating inside Earth's core. This process begins causing massive, unexplained earthquakes around the globe, which serves as the silent countdown for the film’s plot. ### 2. The Deviant Attack in London The immediate "inciting incident" occurs when **Sersi** and **Sprite**, who are living in modern-day London, are suddenly attacked by a Deviant named **Kro**. This is a shock to them because the Eternals believed they had hunted the Deviants to extinction in 1521. * **Specific Detail:** During the fight near the Camden Lock, they realize this Deviant is different—it can heal itself almost instantly. * **The Rescue:** **Ikaris** arrives unexpectedly to help them drive the creature into the river. This reunion of the first three Eternals serves as the starting point for their quest to "get the band back together." ### 3. The Discovery of Ajak’s Death Fearing a global Deviant resurgence, Sersi, Ikaris, and Sprite travel to a ranch in South Dakota to consult their leader, **Ajak**. Upon arrival, they find her dead on her porch, apparently killed by Deviants. * **Specific Detail:** As Sersi grieves over Ajak’s body, a gold crystalline "sphere" (the communication link to the Celestials) emerges from Ajak’s chest and enters Sersi. This act posthumously appoints Sersi as the new **Prime Eternal**, much to Ikaris's outward surprise. ### 4. Direct Communication with Arishem As the new leader, Sersi is able to enter a trance-like state to communicate with the Celestial **Arishem**. During this first contact, the "true" plot is revealed: * **The Revelation:** Arishem informs Sersi that the Eternals were not sent to protect humanity for humanity's sake, but to ensure the population grew large enough to provide the energy for Tiamut’s birth. * **The Consequence:** Sersi learns that the "Emergence" is imminent and will result in the total destruction of Earth. This revelation shifts the plot from a "monster hunt" to a moral conflict over whether to obey their creator or save the human race. ### 5. Ikaris’s Secret Betrayal (The Hidden Trigger) While the audience learns this later through flashbacks, the plot was actually set in motion six days before the London attack. **Ikaris**, who remained loyal to Arishem’s original plan, realized Ajak wanted to stop the Emergence. To prevent her from interfering, he led her to a frozen wasteland in Alaska and fed her to a group of trapped Deviants, which allowed the Deviants to absorb her healing powers and evolve, leading to the attack in London.