‘Eddington’: A Fresh Cinematic Dose by Ari Aster Set in The Times of COVID

Award-winning American film director Ari Aster, acclaimed for his unique takes in the horror genre with films like ‘Hereditary’ and ‘Midsommar’, is back with a bang, this time with a new genre in his arsenal. ‘Eddington’ is a black comedy western, set amid the COVID-19 pandemic, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal.

The first teaser of ‘Eddington’ offers an intriguing glimpse into the film. Set in the backdrop of Eddington, New Mexico, a small town, the story unfolds around a standoff between the town’s sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and the mayor (Pedro Pascal), causing a ripple effect of events. This interesting premise, coupled with the pandemic theme, makes ‘Eddington’ a much-anticipated release.

The film’s star-studded ensemble doesn’t end with Phoenix and Pascal. The cast includes Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Amélie Hoeferle, Clifton Collins Jr., and William Belleau. The teaser trailer introduces audiences to characters immersed in discussions about COVID-19 conspiracy theories, adding another layer of intrigue and suspense to the narrative.

The film marks Aster’s fourth directorial feature, following ‘Hereditary’, ‘Midsommar’, and ‘Afraid’. Phoenix, having already collaborated with Aster in ‘Afraid’, reunites with the director in ‘Eddington’, strengthening their creative alliance. During a discussion with Yorgos Lanthimos for Variety’s Directors on Directors, Aster expressed his admiration for Phoenix’s commitment and thought-provoking approach to his craft.

While talking about his working experience with Phoenix, Aster said, “Having now worked with him, I understand why he is so reluctant to jump onto anything — because he really puts all of himself into whatever he’s doing. The way that he challenges the material — not in a gratuitous way or in a way that’s a pain in the ass. The question usually amounts to ‘Is there anything we haven’t considered here?’ I realized that it’s something that I was really wanting from an actor, and now I can’t imagine making a film without him.”

‘Eddington’ is set to make its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to run from May 13-24. The American audience will have to wait a little longer as the film is slated for a July 18th release. With its quirky genre blend, stellar cast, and a director known for his thought-provoking storytelling, ‘Eddington’ promises to be a unique cinematic experience.

The film’s teaser has undoubtedly sparked interest and anticipation among moviegoers, offering a fresh perspective on the pandemic through the lens of a western narrative. As we inch closer to the film’s release, it’ll be interesting to see how Ari Aster’s unique take on the pandemic through ‘Eddington’ resonates with audiences worldwide.