Eddington (2025): Ari Aster’s Most Divisive Film Yet – A Must-Read Before July 18

 "Did you know Eddington reduced Joaquin Phoenix to tears at Cannes—yet critics called it ‘self-indulgent’ and ‘a bloody bullet ballet’?"

Ari Aster’s Eddington (July 18, 2025) isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural Rorschach test. Blending pandemic chaos, Western grit, and Aster’s signature surrealism, this A24 thriller stars Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in a standoff that mirrors America’s polarized meltdown. Here’s why it’s the most talked-about film of the summer.

Spoiler-Free Plot Summary

Set in May 2020, Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix) clashes with Mayor Ted Garcia (Pascal) over COVID-19 lockdowns in Eddington, New Mexico. As mask mandates ignite protests and conspiracy theories, the town fractures into violence, culminating in a Wild Bunch-style bloodbath. Aster frames the pandemic as a catalyst for societal collapse, with dark humor and unflinching brutality.

Why It’s Controversial

Political Tinderbox: The film’s “X-treme left vs. right” satire polarized Cannes audiences, with some praising its audacity and others dismissing it as “predictable”.

Joaquin Phoenix’s “Flaccid” Performance: Critics split on his portrayal of Sheriff Cross, calling it “inwardly uncertain” compared to Pascal’s charismatic mayor.

Graphic Final Act: The last 45 minutes escalate into surreal violence, dividing viewers who expected Aster’s usual psychological horror.

Trailer Breakdown: 3 Key Moments

0:45: Phoenix shoves a maskless protester, igniting a viral backlash.

1:20: Pascal’s mayor declares, “We will keep Eddington safe,” amid rising unrest.

2:00: Austin Butler’s cult-leader preacher rallies followers with apocalyptic fervor.

Visual Motifs: Aster uses “doomscrolling” close-ups and masked crowds to mirror 2020’s anxiety.

Early Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

Praise: “A damning portrait of American paranoia” (IndieWire).

Criticism: “Overstuffed metaphors and glacial pacing” (The Guardian).

FAQ: “Is Eddington scarier than Midsommar?” Answer: No—it’s more satirical than horrific.

Should You Watch?

7.5/10 – Aster’s ambition and Phoenix’s raw performance make Eddington compelling, but its uneven tone may frustrate casual viewers. A must-watch for Aster fans and debate-loving cinephiles.

Your Turn: Will you see Eddington? Rate it 1-10 in the comments!