Eddington

"Eddington" is a wild ride of a movie that blends neo-Western grit with pitch-black comedy, all set against the chaotic backdrop of the early COVID-19 pandemic. Directed and written by Ari Aster (yep, the guy behind Hereditary and Midsommar), this 149-minute film dives deep into the political and social fractures of a small New Mexico town in 2020. If you're into sharp satire, morally murky characters, and stories that spiral into madness, this one’s for you.

The story kicks off with a clash between Sheriff Joe Cross (played by Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) over pandemic lockdowns and mask mandates. What starts as a political disagreement quickly escalates into a full-blown war for control of the town. Joe, fueled by paranoia and personal demons, decides to run for mayor himself, dragging his unstable wife Louise (Emma Stone) and her conspiracy-loving mother Dawn (Deirdre O’Connell) into the fray. Things spiral fast—there are cult leaders, fake assault allegations, sniper attacks, and even a militia of extremists flying in on a private jet. Yeah, it gets that intense.

The cast is stacked. Alongside Phoenix, Pascal, and Stone, you’ve got Austin Butler as a charismatic cult leader, Micheal Ward as a young deputy caught in the crossfire, and William Belleau as a sharp Pueblo officer trying to piece together the truth. The performances are a major highlight, with critics especially praising the ensemble’s commitment to the film’s offbeat tone.

"Eddington" isn’t for everyone. Its mix of dark humor, political satire, and sudden bursts of violence can be jarring. Some viewers might find the tonal shifts confusing, and the CinemaScore of "C+" suggests general audiences were a bit divided. But if you appreciate bold storytelling and don’t mind a little chaos, there’s a lot to chew on here.

The film didn’t exactly light up the box office, earning just over $10 million against a $25 million budget. Still, it made a splash at Cannes and has already earned a spot on IndieWire’s list of the best films of the decade so far. And good news for fans—Aster has confirmed a sequel is in the works.

So, if you're in the mood for something daring, darkly funny, and a little unhinged, "Eddington" might just hit the spot.