In his latest black comedy, writer-director plunges audiences into an ultra-realistic world. The fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico is Aster’s setting of choice to explore nearly every hot social issue and historical consequence that shook the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing, the Black Lives Matter movement, right-wing politics, social media protests, and Antifa are all tackled in his audacious screenplay. Following his divisive surrealist tragicomedy, (2023), Aster continues to hold nothing back in this dark modern Western of sorts, reminding viewers of the razor-sharp wit that was previously more prominent in his than in his features.

In the sweltering heat of May 2020, the coronavirus disease has forced America into lockdown, and distrust about the way the U.S. government has handled the pandemic is rife. People are endlessly doomscrolling Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Misinformation and conspiracy theories fuel the already divided population of Eddington. Sheriff Joe Cross () takes matters into his own hands after being criticized for not enforcing mask mandates. While he isn’t a COVID-denier, he claims wearing a mask makes it harder to breathe with his asthma. He starts a campaign to become Eddington’s next mayor, with the hilarious slogan “Joe Cross for air, Joe Cross for mayor.” Chaos erupts as local neighbors begin to clash over their morals and beliefs.

Civil unrest takes a new turn in Eddington after the shocking May 25th murder of in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparking the Black Lives Matter protests. Whereas some enraged citizens carry out their protests in peace, other individuals and secret organizations (as depicted in the film’s hyperreal universe) are beginning to use this movement as an excuse to enact riots and even kill people on the streets. This quickly spreads to Eddington, where the police have to deal with furious townsfolk, including teenagers who passionately protest and some who are simply there to impress others.

This is where things begin to spiral out of control. The small-town sheriff and his deputies attempt to contain the crowds, but Joe’s personal life gets in the way. Joe’s wife, Louise Cross (), leaves him after he posts a video online, without her permission, accusing his incumbent opponent, the liberal mayor Ted Garcia (), of sexually abusing her in the past. If it wasn’t already obvious based on this absurd plot description, Ari Aster’s script treads a fine comedic line. The laughs hugely depend on the viewer’s understanding of contemporary American issues.

Social media plays a significant role in Eddington‘s satire. Admittedly, Ari Aster plays it risky by making gags out of talking points that seemed very serious in 2020, but now, retrospectively, can be considered funny. He elicits the desired gasps from his audience; however, the depth of his social and political commentary is called into question. Everything seems rather superficial on reflection, as Aster addresses so many pressing topics yet never fully delves into any one of them. Nonetheless, it’s incredibly entertaining watching Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix (, ) lose himself in another off-the-rails performance. The sight of (2019) memes on internet feeds is also worth a good chuckle.

Joaquin Phoenix is terrific as the maskless sheriff, roaming the New Mexico town as a hopeless law enforcement officer who becomes increasingly agitated and unhinged as the story progresses. Phoenix’s deadpan delivery and physical comedy make for countless memorable moments. One priceless scene comes after he announces his mayoral campaign. Storming into the precinct, Sheriff Cross then hysterically scribbles a few ideas on a whiteboard and instantly forces his deputies to become his campaign advisors.

Ari Aster’s short films, such as  (2011) and (2014), share the same sense of dread found in (2018) and (2019). Eddington embodies that looming horror, but in a way that feels all too real with modern social fears and anxieties. However, the comedic tone in Aster’s shorts, like (2013) starring Superman‘s , can be felt here as well. Eddington is not afraid to go to some shockingly dark places. Perhaps more than in his previous works, though, Aster heavily relies on pitch-black humor to carry the movie and keep spectators invested.

Emma Stone (, ) and Pedro Pascal (HBO’s , ) seemingly play important respective roles as Sheriff Cross’ wife and running opponent, but little focus is given to them. The same goes for Austin Butler (, ) as Vernon Jefferson Peak, who feels like a waste of a casting opportunity, despite portraying an exciting, cult-like figure that recalls his role in (2019). Micheal Ward (, ) is the actor who stands out the most from the ensemble as a young sheriff’s trainee named Michael Cooke, delivering a sincere and witty performance with the only hints of subtlety present throughout the movie.

Cinematographer (, ) takes over for Ari Aster’s long-time DOP in Eddington. While admirable, the visuals lack the magic of the majestic, sun-bleached shots of Midsommar or the haunting scenes filled with total darkness in Hereditary. The narrative’s place in real time could be the reason for the film’s more naturalistic cinematography. Still, there are a few stylish sequences that linger in one’s mind, including a back-and-forth panning shot of Sheriff Cross looking for a mysterious assailant trying to kill him in the middle of the night. The scene builds palpable tension by showing Joe’s surroundings as he frantically checks every angle. It’s an innovative moment that echoes the cleverness of Aster’s filmography. 

To no surprise, Ari Aster’s Eddington is bound to be polarizing. But the various responses it can evoke from moviegoers all have great value. This appears to be what Aster is going for as he apologized at the film’s Cannes premiere, knowing how cruel and disturbing it can be at times. Also, after a slew of boring and archetypal pandemic-inspired movies, it’s nice to finally get a story like this where jabs can be thrown at some of our actions that didn’t feel so crazy at the time. Although Eddington is a thoroughly entertaining watch, Aster’s biggest strengths seem to be in the horror genre, where his sensibilities are the most effective.

Release Date: July 18, 2025.
Directed by Ari Aster.
Written by Ari Aster.
Produced by Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, & Ann Ruark.
Executive Producers: Timo Argillander, Alejandro De Leon, Robert Dean, Harrison Huffman, Todd Lundbohm, & Andrea Scarso.
Main Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Cameron Mann, Matt Gomez Hidaka, Amélie Hoeferle, Landall Goolsby, Elise Falanga, & Robert Mark Wallace.
Cinematographer: Darius Khondji.
Composer: Daniel Pemberton & Bobby Krlic (a.k.a. The Haxan Cloak).
Production Companies: A24 & Square Peg.
Distributor: A24.
Runtime:148 minutes.
Rated R.