Overview of Eddington

Ari Aster, known for his distinctive cinematic style in films like Midsommar and Beau Is Afraid, unveils the first trailer for his new project, Eddington. This film features a stellar cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler and is billed as a unique blend of western thriller and black comedy.

Setting and Plot

Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story focuses on Phoenix’s character, a sheriff in the small New Mexico town of Eddington. The trailer reveals him scrolling through social media, which serves as a lens through which the audience is introduced to the town’s diverse characters.

Among these characters is a cult leader portrayed by Butler, who provocatively asserts, “pain is not a coincidence.” Additionally, Stone’s character creates a video refuting her husband’s earlier claim, providing an earnest presence in the midst of chaos.

Aster’s Signature Style

While the grim events of 2020 may dissuade some viewers from watching, fans of Aster’s work are likely to appreciate his talent for extracting profound narratives from dark themes. The film’s humor is evident in snippets from the trailer; an opening narration comments, “When that lab in Wuhan was established in 1956, of course, that was the year Tom Hanks was born, the first celebrity with the virus.”

Social Media Culture

The film captures the essence of contemporary social media culture. A character played by Amélie Hoeferle, who portrays a Tik-Tok influencer, brings a modern twist with a video caption highlighting literary references and social commentary: “When you finish reading James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room,” followed by “1 like = 1 ACAB.”

Premiere Details

Eddington is scheduled to have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., and Amélie Hoeferle.