Ari Aster, director of “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” has a reputation for unsettling audiences. His new film “Eddington,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, may be his most disturbing yet: reliving the chaos of 2020. Set in May 2020, the movie follows Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) as they clash over mask mandates and lockdowns in the small town of Eddington.
As tensions escalate, Cross mounts a mayoral campaign, spreading conspiracy theories and engaging with teenage activists online. The film’s satire is bold, but early reviews have been mixed, with some calling it unfunny and too on-the-nose. With a cast including A-listers such as Phoenix, Pascal, and Emma Stone, “Eddington” faces an uncertain reception upon its July 18 release. Aster’s previous film, “Beau is Afraid,” also flopped at the box office, raising questions about whether his next movie can entice audiences away from superhero blockbusters.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/movies/eddington-ari-aster-cannes-film-festival.html