Eddington – Film Review
by Frank L.

Director – Ari Aster
Writer – Ari Aster
Stars – Joaquin Phoenix, Deirdre O’Connell, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Austin Butler

This film is described as “a 2025 American neo-Western satirical black comedy film”. It is set in a fictional small town in New Mexico called “Eddington”, which has a population of  2,634 according to its entrance sign. Eddington boasts a sheriff, Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and a mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). The time is May 2020, and distancing restrictions are in force due to Covid, together with the requirement to wear masks. Joe Cross suffers from asthma and does not take kindly to being told what he can and cannot do. He asserts, he is unable to breathe wearing a mask and refuses to do so. That brings him into direct conflict with Mayor Garcia. This Covid-inspired new conflict exacerbates a long-simmering old one, which relates to Garcia and Cross’s wife, Louise (Emma Stone) and her mother Dawn (Deirdre O’Connell). Add to the mix that Garcia is standing for re-election as mayor and is being opposed by Cross, the plot has an in-built incendiary device for the citizens of Eddington.

There are several subplots, including that Eddington borders a native reserve, and there is an advanced proposal to build an enormous, water-devouring data storage facility on the outskirts of town. In addition, there is Vernon (Austin Butler), who has dug up with the aid of some psychotherapist or other, the hidden traumas of his childhood and is messianic that everyone else should do the same. The use of social media to generate “fake news” and straightforward lies, coupled with a good dollop of plain old-fashioned racism, makes for an uncomfortable watch.  The term “American” in the description is accurate.

The various elements swirl around for the first three-quarters of the film, which lasts almost two and a half hours. The last quarter is devoted to the neo-Western shoot-out out which uses more than a simple handheld pistol. There are undoubtedly a few elements of black comedy, but the satirical element is less obvious.

Phoenix has the dominant role, and Joe Cross is an embittered, single-minded old man at odds with the world. Phoenix makes a fine job of it. Pascal is a fine foil to him as Mayor Garcia. The roles that Emma Stone and Deirdre O’Connell have to play are minor in comparison to those of Phoenix and Garcia, but needless to say, they are impressive. What is also noteworthy throughout is the cinematography of Darius Khondji.

It is a complex tale of deeply ingrained prejudices and long-held grudges played out primarily by two old men set in their ways. It has its moments, but it takes its time, and overall, it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.