Key Highlights
- The film Eddington, directed by Ari Aster, is set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico during May 2020.
- Eddington portrays a right-wing sheriff’s crusade against a self-serving liberal mayor and depicts the town’s descent into chaos.
- Writer-director Ari Aster claims that his inspiration came from social media experiences in 2020.
- The film is criticized for its mischaracterization of political activism and public health measures during 2020.
Ari Aster’s Eddington: A Misguided Exploration of the Political Climate
Writer-director Ari Aster’s latest film, Eddington, which premiered in October 2025, provides a critical lens on the political climate of May 2020. Set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, the movie follows a right-wing sheriff’s struggle against a self-serving liberal mayor and the subsequent chaos that ensues.
Directorial Intentions
Aster, known for his previous works such as Midsommar, aimed to capture the tumultuous atmosphere of 2020. In an interview with an unnamed interviewer, Aster expressed his desire to explore a world where nobody agrees on what’s happening and everybody distrusts each other. However, the film does not provide any meaningful insights into the complexities of that era.
Mischaracterizations and Criticisms
The film is heavily criticized for its misrepresentation of key events and figures from 2020. For instance, it portrays strong support for public health measures as coming primarily from middle-class liberals, which is inaccurate according to historical data. Polls during that period showed widespread support for efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The George Floyd protests are also misrepresented in the film. While race-obsessed activism was present, the initial wave of protests had a profoundly democratic character with millions protesting against police violence and other social inequalities.
Character Development and Plot
The main characters include Joe Cross, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who is an outspoken opponent of face masks. He runs for mayor under an anti-mask platform, facing off against the self-promoting liberal Mayor Ted Garcia, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. The film also delves into the personal lives of these characters, including the strained relationship between Cross and his wife Louise, played by Emma Stone.
As the plot unfolds, Cross makes a false accusation about Garcia’s past sexual misconduct, leading to further chaos in the town. Meanwhile, unexpected twists involving protests, bombings, and cult-like behavior add layers to the narrative but do not offer substantial critique or analysis of the political situation.
Conclusion
Eddington, despite its ambitious setting during a crucial year, fails to deliver meaningful commentary on the 2020 political climate. Instead, it offers a confused and cynical portrayal that aligns more with far-right narratives than a genuine exploration of social issues. The film’s mischaracterizations and lack of depth make it a shallow addition to the discourse surrounding that turbulent period.
