Ari Aster, known for his horror films “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” has premiered his latest work, “Eddington,” at the Cannes Film Festival. The film presents a harrowing narrative that revisits the tumultuous events of 2020.
Set in May of that year, “Eddington” depicts a conflict in the fictional New Mexico town between conservative sheriff Joe Cross, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, and liberal mayor Ted Garcia, played by Pedro Pascal. The mayor's insistence on mask mandates and lockdowns during the pandemic leads to escalating tensions, as Cross adamantly claims, “There is no Covid in Eddington.” His frustration is compounded by Garcia's complicated romantic history with Cross’s wife, portrayed by Emma Stone.
In an attempt to undermine Garcia, Cross launches his own mayoral campaign, using misspelled banners on his police vehicle and promoting conspiracy theories about his opponent online. As the town becomes engulfed in Black Lives Matter protests and teenage activists aim to document Cross’s actions, the situation intensifies, threatening lives in the community.
Aster aims to explore the disintegration of social cohesion during this period, and the film has already sparked polarized reactions among critics. While some praise its boldness, others criticize it as unfunny and overly focused on lampooning liberal characters rather than providing a balanced satire.
“Eddington” is set to be released in theaters on July 18, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Austin Butler as an online cult leader. Despite Aster's craftsmanship, the film may not appeal to mainstream audiences. The narrative starts grounded but shifts into a surreal tone reminiscent of Aster’s previous film, “Beau is Afraid.”
Releasing “Eddington” during the summer blockbuster season poses a challenge, as it competes against superhero films, raising questions about whether audiences will choose to engage with its serious themes over more conventional entertainment.