Director Ari Aster returns with his latest film, Eddington, a surreal and gory western that tackles the US’s pandemic divisions, online conspiracy theories, and social justice issues. The film follows Joaquin Phoenix as Joe, a shambling sheriff struggling to cope with the complexities of modern society.
While Aster’s vision is deranged and excessive, it makes for a thrilling ride. The film’s central idea is to bring together various contentious topics in the tiny desert town of Eddington, New Mexico. However, the execution falls short at times, with too much repetition and not enough focus.
As the film progresses, it shifts from a slow-burning satire to a farcical crime thriller with echoes of classic Westerns. The murder plot becomes a tense and intriguing mystery, but the pacing is still uneven. Despite its flaws, Eddington has a heroic quality to it, showcasing Aster’s determination to push boundaries.
The film features standout performances from Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone, particularly in the latter’s underutilized role as Joe’s wife, Louise. With a run time of 2 hours and 25 minutes, Eddington is not for the faint of heart, but fans of Aster’s previous work will find it to be an exhilarating experience.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Note: The title has been shortened to fit within the 10-word limit while maintaining its essence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250516-eddington-review