Movies

Eddington

BBG News

Ari Aster’s brief but captivating journey in feature filmmaking has been quite a thrilling ride, marked by standout moments and some unexpected twists. His career took off spectacularly with the release of his outstanding 2018 supernatural/psychological horror masterpiece, “Hereditary”. This was followed by “Midsommar” in 2019, a film that boasted a first half as brilliant as its predecessor, but unfortunately veered off course in the second. Matters seemed to deteriorate further with the release of “Beau Is Afraid” in 2023, which was met with significant criticism.

In his fourth movie, Aster returns with a dramatic shift in his filmmaking style, swinging far from where he was before. With “Eddington”, Aster boldly navigates the thin line between biting satirical black comedy and a modern Western thriller. The story unfolds in 2020, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aster offers an unflinching portrayal of the intense paranoia and anxieties that gripped society, while highlighting the political manipulation and stubbornness that added to the chaos.

Amidst the ongoing chaos, the tragic death of George Floyd led to increasing tension. Passionate protests erupted nationwide, but some were disrupted by violent rioters, who at times were instigated by external agitators with substantial resources, aiming to escalate the violence. Aster’s bravery in tackling these new wounds is commendable. However, what’s truly impressive is how skillfully he handles this challenging situation.

In a clear and engaging manner: Although some might attempt to align “Eddington” with their political viewpoint, the movie unsparingly skewers the political spectrum, encompassing both left and right, as well as those in between. It’s important to note that Aster doesn’t shy away from taking a stance. Instead, he presents raw and honest insights through a tale that mirrors the chaotic times it portrays (and fittingly so). The events depicted may be distressingly memorable for many, which makes this movie challenging to watch. However, Aster manages to extract numerous darkly humorous moments from the sharp, ridiculous, and absurd situations on display.

The narrative unfolds in the modest, arid town of Eddington, New Mexico, home to 2,435 residents. Here, we encounter Sheriff Joe Cross, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix with a palpable sense of melancholy. A strict adherent to rules and conservative values, he maintains order in his tranquil community alongside his deputies, Guy (Luke Grimes) and Michael (Michael Ward). What irks Joe even more than mask requirements and lockdowns imposed by the government is his ever-critical live-in mother-in-law, Dawn (Deirdre O’Connell), who seldom fails to offer her scrutiny on how he manages his distressed wife Louise (Emma Stone).

Joe doesn’t view the coronavirus outbreak or increasing turmoil as Eddington’s complex scientific problems, which creates tension with Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), the current mayor running for reelection. Ted represents ideas that are largely opposite to Joe’s. He is a charismatic and eloquent politician who prioritizes preserving his political career by maintaining favor with the liberal governor. This often involves implementing and enforcing measures that don’t always affect him directly. However, what’s even more questionable is Ted’s role in a large AI data center project planned for construction on Native American land near Eddington, which may involve some shady dealings.

Amidst escalating conflicts between Joe and Ted, a budding demonstration inspired by Black Lives Matter movement starts on Main Street, led primarily by Sarah (Amélie Hoeferle). Her words and chants seem to be borrowed from TikTok rather than stemming from genuine passion. Backing her up is Brian (Cameron Mann), who appears more infatuated with her than the cause itself. Unprepared to handle the crowd or understand their motives, Joe’s actions only exacerbate the situation.

Instead of tossing in numerous subjects, open to scrutiny, Aster includes conspiracy theories, misinformation, social media obsession, charismatic cult leaders (a charming Austin Butler offers a brief moment of intrigue), middle-class white radicalism, and more. The question then arises: How would Aster manage to tie all these elements together? His solution – with an explosively Tarantino-esque climax, serving as a chilling warning of where our growing societal fractures might take us. It’s an exhilarating conclusion that reflects the potential outcomes of our deepening cultural divisions.

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2025-07-19 18:57

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