Is Eddington Really One of 2025's Wildest Movies or Just Boring?

Eddington, Ari Aster’s latest film, is a polarising exploration of the social fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Set in a small town in New Mexico during May 2020, the film juxtaposes the political rivalry between a mayor and a sheriff against the backdrop of a nation grappling with fear, misinformation, and social unrest. With its ambitious themes and Aster's signature style, Eddington is poised to be one of the most discussed films of the year.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Eddington features Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix in leading roles, highlighting a political rivalry during the pandemic.
• The film aims to tackle divisive issues such as mask mandates and social justice movements.
• Critics are divided, noting its slow pacing and lack of impactful satire.
• Ari Aster's direction showcases a mix of tension and violence, particularly in the final act.
• The film received its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and its US release is set for July 18.

Overview of Eddington

Eddington, directed by Ari Aster, is a bold cinematic attempt to address the societal ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic. The film places its audience in a small-town environment, where the political campaigns of mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) and sheriff Caleb (Joaquin Phoenix) unfold amidst the tensions of May 2020. This period was marked by significant unrest, including debates over mask mandates and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

As both characters vie for control over the town, their contrasting viewpoints reflect larger societal divides. Eddington aims to be a biting satire, yet early reviews indicate that it struggles to land its punchlines effectively, leading to a mixed reception from audiences and critics alike.

Ari Aster’s Unique Cinematic Voice

Ari Aster has gained recognition for his distinct filmmaking style, evident in previous works such as Hereditary and Midsommar. Eddington continues his trend of exploring dark themes, but this time through the lens of a pandemic. Unlike traditional Westerns, Aster’s approach incorporates contemporary issues, creating a narrative that is both timely and challenging.

What Makes Eddington Stand Out?

At its core, Eddington seeks to expose the worst aspects of humanity through the lens of a public health crisis. While the film touches on themes of fear, misinformation, and personal freedoms, the execution leaves some audience members feeling dissatisfied. The film's slow pacing has been highlighted, with some critics noting that it takes too long to reach its climactic moments.

Character Analysis

One of the film's most discussed aspects is its characterisation. Aster has designed his characters to be unlikable, serving as a reflection of the heightened tensions of 2020. Each character embodies various societal archetypes, from conspiracy theorists to public officials struggling to maintain order.

Pivotal Performances

While many in the cast are notable actors, including Emma Stone and Austin Butler, their performances have received mixed feedback. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of the angry mayor struggles to resonate, while Joaquin Phoenix, as the deeply troubled sheriff, manages to inject some depth into the role. Critics have pointed out that Phoenix's performance is one of the film's highlights, bringing a certain empathy to his character amidst the chaos.

The Reception of Eddington

The film's reception thus far has been polarising, with audiences and critics alike split on its effectiveness. Some viewers appreciate its ambition and timely themes, while others find it lacking in coherence and engagement. Reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes reflect this division, with comments highlighting both the film's merits and shortcomings.

Audience Reactions

Viewer reactions have ranged from praise for its ambition to criticism of its pacing and character development. One user remarked that it "meant well, but didn’t come across," indicating disappointment in how the film navigates its themes. Another viewer noted that despite an interesting concept and strong cast, the execution felt lost.

The Cinematic Journey of Eddington

As audiences watch Eddington unfold, they are taken on a gradual journey towards its climactic showdown. The film's slow build-up has elicited mixed reactions, with many feeling that substantial events take too long to materialise. Setting a runtime of 148 minutes, Aster appears to challenge viewers to invest their time in the narrative, which may not resonate with everyone.

Climactic Moments

Despite the criticisms, the last act of Eddington has been praised for its intensity, showcasing Aster's signature style of violence and chaos. As the film approaches its conclusion, the gradual tension culminates in a violent confrontation that aligns with Aster's previous films, offering a glimpse of what audiences may have expected from the outset.

Thematic Elements

Thematically, Eddington grapples with the absurdity of human behaviour during a crisis. Aster attempts to highlight the ridiculousness of societal reactions to the pandemic, but some critics argue that he does not push the envelope far enough. Moments of dark humour exist, but they are sparse and often overshadowed by the film's slow pacing.

Social Commentary

Through its narrative, Eddington endeavours to provide commentary on the societal issues that emerged during the pandemic. It addresses the struggle between personal freedoms and public health mandates, reflecting real-life debates that became prevalent during 2020. However, the execution of these themes has left some viewers wanting more depth and clarity.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Eddington?

As Eddington continues its journey through cinemas, it remains to be seen how it will ultimately be received by broader audiences. With its ambitious themes and Aster's unique directorial style, the film is sure to spark conversation, even if it may not achieve universal acclaim. For those willing to engage with its slower pacing and challenging themes, Eddington may offer a thought-provoking experience, albeit a divisive one.

As we reflect on Eddington, one must wonder: how will films like this shape our understanding of the pandemic's impact on society? #Eddington #AriAster #FilmReview

FAQs

What is Eddington about?

Eddington is a film set in a small New Mexico town during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on the political rivalry between a mayor and a sheriff amid societal tensions and unrest.

Who stars in Eddington?

The film features notable performances by Pedro Pascal as mayor Ted Garcia, Joaquin Phoenix as sheriff Caleb, Emma Stone as Louise, and Austin Butler as Vernon.

When was Eddington released?

Eddington premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set for release in the US on July 18, 2025. The UK release date has yet to be announced.

What themes does Eddington explore?

The film explores themes such as personal freedoms versus public health mandates, societal responses to crises, and the absurdity of human behaviour during challenging times.

Is Eddington well received by critics?

Critics have had mixed reactions to Eddington, highlighting its ambitious themes but also noting its slow pacing and lack of impactful satire.