Movies

Eddington Has A Lot To Say About Covid, But Is It Too Soon?

BBG News

Ari Aster, both writer and director, has chosen to emphasize the Covid-19 lockdowns as a significant theme in his newest film, “Eddington,” which debuted over the weekend within the 2025 movie lineup. This movie aims to unsettle its viewers, and it effectively accomplishes this. As I sat through the screening, I found myself questioning whether Aster, renowned for his work in horror films, has bitten off more than he can chew with this subject matter.

As a cinephile reflecting on the challenging times of late winter and spring 2020, I found myself deeply moved by the film “Aster.” Navigating the intricate political landscape that divided many in America, the movie stirred up memories that were, at times, uncomfortable for me and perhaps others.

The second political theme of the film – the tragic death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests in May and June – was a powerful reminder of the ongoing racial injustices that persist in our society.

“Eddington” carries an important message, but I’m not sure if we, as a nation, are ready to listen to it yet. It’s a thought-provoking question that leaves me pondering about the state of our collective consciousness and our readiness for change.

The Political Fight Over Masks Made A Hard Time Harder

I won’t delve into my personal views on certain policies during the initial COVID-19 pandemic, but let me express that the polarized political stances were disheartening and concerning for many of us. We found ourselves confined at home, anxious about the wellbeing of the more vulnerable individuals, uncertain about our jobs, and fearful about how the virus might impact not just our personal finances, but also the overall economy, as well as our own health.

In this period, heated discussions ensued regarding mask requirements and other public health precautions. This turbulent situation became even more distressing, introducing a contentious political aspect during one of the most unpredictable periods in my recollection. The story of “Eddington”, the latest production by A24, unfolds under these circumstances. In this small town, the sheriff, Joe Cross (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix), finds himself at his limit as an asthmatic who dislikes wearing a mask. Eventually, this frustration leads to Cross running for mayor on an anti-mask mandate platform.

The Movie Succeeds In Making Viewers Uncomfortable, But Is That What People Want?

In the film “Eddington“, Aster, known for his witty dark humor and tackling uncomfortable topics, doesn’t hold back on stirring up differing opinions among viewers. As someone with a similarly dark sense of humor, I found myself chuckling at some absurd scenes in the movie that were inspired by our collective past experiences five years ago. However, I found it challenging to fully embrace this film, as upon reflection, the state of the world during that period wasn’t exactly a laughing matter.

After the film concluded, I engaged in a conversation with the companion who watched it with me, and later shared thoughts with my coworkers at TopMob. We collectively pondered if the movie’s central theme might be premature given the recent events, as many people’s feelings are still tender, and our society has yet to find closure on those tumultuous months.

It appears that COVID-19 discussions have diminished, and mask mandates are no longer in effect, but for some individuals, the emotional wounds remain unhealed. Similarly, the movie “Eddington” doesn’t provide a means of coping or healing; instead, it places viewers back in the midst of those raw feelings, reopening the emotional scars for certain people.

Perhaps I’m mistaken, but this might just be the kind of movie that’s needed to help us cope with difficult periods. Over the past few weeks, it’s been on my mind constantly, and it does seem to encourage viewers to ponder upon those times, which could potentially be beneficial. However, I’m not convinced, not just yet.

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2025-07-21 03:07

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