Of Time Travel and Immortality by Malayna Dawn l Time Travel Movies l Movies About Immortality l Popular Movies l Must See Movies l Sci Fi Movies l Science Fiction Films

Journeys Across Eternity

With shows like Forever (on ABC) and Outlander (on Starz) attracting attention on the small screen these days, it seems audiences never tire of historical or futuristic travels and the lure of everlasting life.

These beloved plot devices allow us to experience history with a twist, enjoying the contrast created by juxtaposing very different expectations of culture and technology.

Perhaps even more importantly, these fictional journeys offer us a chance to grapple with our own mortality. We yearn to see beyond our years, to have more time to explore the world, and preferably with unending youth and strength to enjoy it all. By exploring these dreams, we imagine both the positive and negative possibilities for such power, and can find reasons to be grateful for what we have. Let’s take a look at what we can learn from tales of time and eternity.

The Cost of Eternal Life (or Being Immortal Might Suck)

Vampires, of course, have to kill and drink blood exclusively to stay alive. Rules vary depending on the author, but they generally are quite attractive, have additional strength and sometimes supernatural powers (changing into a bat, flying, etc.), but never enjoy the simple pleasures of a sunny day or a home-cooked meal.

Unlike other undead creatures, such as Frankenstein’s monster, zombies and mummies, and undead accursed pirates, vampires still have sex appeal.

Most of the vampires we love express some sort of anguish over the afterlife they’ve been given. For us, it causes us to question if immortality would be worth the moral cost.

Ultimately, all tales of time and eternity offer contrast that can help us appreciate the precious impermanence of every moment, and hopefully remember to live each one to the fullest.