Eddington Review: Ari Aster’s Bold Pandemic Satire

Ari Aster’s Vision: A Surreal Pandemic Satire

Ari Aster, the acclaimed director of “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” has returned with his fourth feature film, “Eddington,” a bold and polarizing work that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Known for his unique storytelling and unsettling visuals, Aster ventures into new territory with this surreal modern western, blending pandemic-era anxieties with biting social commentary. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a bumbling, reactionary sheriff and Pedro Pascal as a progressive mayor, with Emma Stone and Austin Butler rounding out the star-studded cast.

Setting the Stage: Eddington, New Mexico

Set in the fictional desert town of Eddington, New Mexico, the film unfolds during the tumultuous days of May 2020. The pandemic is in full swing, and the town is grappling with the same tensions that plagued the United States during that period. From mask mandates and Black Lives Matter protests to conspiracy theories and political polarization, “Eddington” encapsulates a nation on edge. According to BBC, the film attempts to distill these myriad issues into a single, chaotic narrative.

Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a compelling performance as Joe Cross, the town’s conservative sheriff who refuses to enforce mask mandates, dismissing the pandemic as a “big-city problem.” Phoenix, known for his roles in “Joker” and “Beau Is Afraid,” portrays Cross as a deeply flawed yet oddly sympathetic character. His disdain for progressive policies and his rivalry with Mayor Ted Garcia, played by Pedro Pascal, form the crux of the film’s narrative.

Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted Garcia

Pedro Pascal shines as Ted Garcia, the town’s progressive mayor who champions public health measures and social justice. His character serves as a foil to Cross, embodying the liberal ideals that clash with the sheriff’s conservative worldview. The tension between the two characters escalates when Cross announces his candidacy for mayor, setting the stage for a bitter political showdown.

Emma Stone and Austin Butler: Supporting Roles

Emma Stone plays Louise, Joe’s troubled wife, whose past relationship with Garcia adds another layer of complexity to the story. However, critics, including those at Screen Daily, have noted that Stone’s character is underutilized, leaving much of her potential unexplored. Austin Butler makes a brief but memorable appearance as Vernon Jefferson Peak, a charismatic conspiracy theorist whose influence further destabilizes the town.

A Chaotic Narrative: Strengths and Weaknesses

“Eddington” has been praised for its audacious approach to storytelling, but its sprawling narrative has drawn criticism. The film attempts to tackle a wide array of issues, from racial injustice and online radicalization to small-town politics and personal grievances. While this ambitious scope is commendable, it often leads to a lack of focus, making the story feel overstuffed and disjointed. Rolling Stone described the film as a “manic panic attack,” capturing the chaotic energy that defines Aster’s vision.

Genre-Bending and Satirical Elements

Aster’s signature style is evident in “Eddington,” which defies traditional genre boundaries. The film starts as a satirical critique of small-town politics and pandemic-era divisions but gradually morphs into a farcical crime thriller. Comparisons to the Coen Brothers’ “Fargo” and “No Country for Old Men” are inevitable, as the film’s dark humor and absurdist elements echo their work. However, Aster’s penchant for surrealism takes the story to unexpected and often jarring heights.

A High-Adrenaline Finale

The film’s climax is a whirlwind of surreal and gory imagery, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Aster’s willingness to embrace the absurd and the grotesque has earned him both praise and criticism. While some viewers may find the finale exhilarating, others might be overwhelmed by its relentless intensity. As noted by AP News, the film’s over-the-top conclusion reflects Aster’s uncompromising artistic vision.

Critical Reception and Audience Reactions

“Eddington” has elicited a wide range of reactions from critics and audiences alike. While some have lauded its bold satire and thought-provoking themes, others have criticized its lack of coherence and subtlety. The film’s divisive nature is perhaps its greatest strength and weakness, ensuring that it will be a topic of discussion for years to come. According to Screen Daily, the film’s polarizing reception is a testament to Aster’s ability to challenge and provoke his audience.

In “Eddington,” Ari Aster delivers a daring and divisive exploration of America’s pandemic-era divisions. While its sprawling narrative and chaotic energy may not appeal to everyone, the film’s bold vision and stellar performances make it a noteworthy addition to Aster’s filmography. Whether you love it or hate it, “Eddington” is a film that demands to be seen and discussed.

Source: Bbc, Screendaily, Rollingstone, Apnews