Eddington

"Eddington" is a wild ride of a movie that blends neo-Western grit with dark comedy and political thriller vibes. Directed and written by Ari Aster (yep, the guy behind Hereditary and Midsommar), this film takes a sharp turn into the chaos of small-town America during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Set in Eddington, New Mexico, the story kicks off with a heated standoff between the town’s sheriff and its mayor, and things spiral from there—fast.

Joaquin Phoenix stars as Sheriff Joe Cross, a man with a complicated home life and even more complicated politics. Pedro Pascal plays Mayor Ted Garcia, who’s trying to keep the town in line with state lockdown orders. When Joe decides to run against Ted in a tense mayoral election, the town becomes a battleground—not just politically, but literally. The film dives deep into themes of conspiracy theories, social unrest, and the blurred lines between truth and manipulation, all while keeping a sharp satirical edge.

The cast is stacked: Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, and more bring a mix of intensity and absurdity to their roles. The performances are strong across the board, with Phoenix delivering one of his most layered roles since Joker.

Clocking in at nearly two and a half hours, "Eddington" isn’t a breezy watch. It’s dense, provocative, and intentionally divisive. Critics have been split—some praise its boldness and genre mash-up, while others find its tone uneven and its satire a bit too on-the-nose. If you’re into films that challenge you, make you uncomfortable, and leave you thinking (or arguing), this one’s for you. But if you prefer your thrillers straightforward or your comedies light, you might find this a bit much.

Visually, it’s got that dusty, sun-bleached Western look, shot on location in New Mexico. The score, composed by Bobby Krlic and Daniel Pemberton, adds to the film’s eerie, off-kilter atmosphere.

"Eddington" is definitely not for everyone, but it’s a bold, timely film that captures the madness of 2020 in a way only Ari Aster could. If you’re up for something intense, weird, and a little bit unhinged, give it a shot. Just don’t expect easy answers—or a smooth ride.