Director Ari Aster, acclaimed for his disquieting interpretations of horror in Hereditary and Midsommar, returns with a new project — this time shifting his attention to a stark and recent source of widespread anxiety: the year 2020.
Aster’s fourth feature, Eddington, released by A24, explores the turmoil of that memorable year through a distinctive perspective. The film’s initial trailer unfolds like a doomscroll on Instagram during the early pandemic days. A voiceover from conspiracy theorists regarding COVID-19 alludes to a lab in Wuhan and even connects to actor Tom Hanks — one of the first public figures to contract the virus.
As the trailer progresses, we are introduced to the town of Eddington, New Mexico, and its sheriff, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, who previously collaborated with Aster in Beau Is Afraid. Phoenix’s character appears in a Fox News segment ominously warning, “If you value your life, you should think twice, because the people of Eddington like guns.”
The trailer further unveils additional ensemble cast members. Austin Butler plays a motivational speaker with the Instagram handle @vernonjeffersonpeak, offering enigmatic affirmations such as, “Your pain is not a coincidence. You are not a coincidence.” Emma Stone takes on the role of Louise Cross, who publicly contradicts her husband’s recent declaration. Pedro Pascal joins as Mayor Ted Garcia, a leader intent on guiding Eddington through the chaos of the pandemic.
According to A24’s official synopsis, the film focuses on the mounting conflict between Pascal’s mayor and Phoenix’s sheriff — a clash that threatens to spark unrest in the town. The trailer hints at a tumultuous mix of pandemic-era visuals: Phoenix facing masked protesters, TikTok dances referencing James Baldwin, and a representative Blackout Tuesday post — all portraying the surreal, often contradictory essence of 2020’s social media atmosphere.
Eddington also includes performances from Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Cameron Mann, Matt Gomez Hidaka, and Amélie Hoeferle.
Eddington is set to hit theaters on July 18. Whether you’re prepared to relive the chaos of 2020 or not, Aster’s latest endeavor promises a eerily familiar journey.