On July 18, American theaters presented a striking contrast in cinematic offerings. Ari Aster’s Eddington—a neo-Western film starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal—arrived after its Cannes debut in May, inviting audiences into a satirical exploration of America’s divisive pandemic-era climate.
Set in a fictional New Mexico town during the early COVID-19 wave, Eddington unfolds around a clash between a mask-resistant sheriff, played by Phoenix, and a progressive mayor (Pascal). The escalating tension between them spirals into a violent cultural standoff, touching on conspiracy theories, protests, and media manipulation . Critics described the film as polarizing—with some praising its “audacity” and Phoenix’s chilling performance, while others labeled its satire heavy-handed . The film carries a $25 million budget and marks Aster’s bold return after Midsommar, further cementing his status as a provocative auteur).
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In a startling endorsement, legendary director Martin Scorsese praised Eddington for its ability to “externalize the emotional violence” of the pandemic era. Meanwhile, reviewers like Roger Ebert’s site noted the film’s ability to balance its Western roots with genre-blending tension.
While Eddington aims for cerebral commentary, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s revival of I Know What You Did Last Summer offers something entirely different: nostalgic, PG-13 horror. Released nationally July 18 following a Los Angeles premiere on July 14, this legacy sequel unites original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. alongside newcomers Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline.
Fan reactions have been mixed. A review from The Independent called the reboot “a nostalgic, fun, though not entirely necessary” revival, while Tom’s Guide criticized it as “derivative” and lacking fresh substance. An AP review highlighted the imbalance between gore and weak character motivations, granting it 1.5 out of 4 stars. Cinemablend, in contrast, referred to strong early buzz, noting its “intense atmosphere” and praise for its cast, hinting it may become a surprise summer horror hit.
The film unlocks its secrets with surprise cameos—most notably Sarah Michelle Gellar—leaving audiences with that classic hook-shaped thrill. Yet critical consensus remains that, while it revisits beloved scares and serves up keen nostalgia, it doesn’t deeply reinvent the franchise.
Together, these two July 18 releases present a perfect cinematic fork in the road. Eddington dares viewers to engage with social ad political schisms via sharp satire, while I Know What You Did Last Summer leans into familiarity and fright—a choice between reflection and adrenaline that mirrors the spectrum of modern moviegoers’ desires.
