Pedro Pascal’s Eddington film review highlights a wildly turbulent and surreal experience ahead of its release on July 18, 2025. Directed by Ari Aster, this neo-Western fever dream unfolds in a small town gripped by pandemic paranoia and political chaos, earning praise from renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese.
Ari Aster’s Latest Work Channels Unapologetic Chaos with an Unsettling Small-Town Tale
Ari Aster, recognized for his bold and unsettling cinema, returns with Eddington following the psychological unraveling of Beau Is Afraid. This new film swaps intense personal trauma for a broader social meltdown, showcasing Pedro Pascal as a power-driven mayor navigating a town on the edge during a pandemic. Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of a weary sheriff who pursues a mayoral campaign amid lockdown tensions. The story weaves together pandemic-induced paranoia, political hysteria, and surreal comedic elements, crafting an intricate and bizarre narrative that keeps audiences both intrigued and disoriented.
Aster’s signature style remains unmistakable, pairing neo-Western atmospheres with sharp satire and a touch of existential dread. The film explores themes such as small-town politics, cult influence, and the absurdities of contemporary life, all culminating in a fever dream rich with social commentary. Fans of A24 productions will recognize the film’s
“good luck explaining this to your parents”
energy, highlighting its cryptic and challenging nature.
Martin Scorsese Applauds Ari Aster’s Unique Vision
Industry legend Martin Scorsese has openly praised Ari Aster’s craftsmanship and daring approach to filmmaking. Reflecting on Aster’s previous work, Scorsese praised the risk-taking nature and technical artistry on display, noting the filmmaker’s ability to deliver unique cinematic experiences.
“one of the most extraordinary new voices in world cinema,” —Martin Scorsese
“This film was remarkable for me on different levels. The second time I saw it, I noticed the technical artistry behind it. The first time I didn’t know what it was about… The risk-taking is so unique and so powerful, and there aren’t many filmmakers who can do that on that level today.” —Martin Scorsese
Scorsese’s endorsements suggest that Eddington carries forward the spirit of innovation and bold experimentation found in Beau Is Afraid, reinforcing its significance in contemporary cinema despite its challenging and unconventional storytelling style.
Eddington’s Reception: A Rowdy Political Cousin to Beau Is Afraid
Early reactions point to Eddington as a more focused and politically charged relative of Beau Is Afraid, injecting a dose of chaotic intensity that eclipses its predecessor’s personal trauma themes. The film’s blend of masks, conspiracy theories, racial tensions, and influencer culture forms a complex social stew, set against the backdrop of an arid Western town.
The cast enhances this offbeat flavor with Joaquin Phoenix’s stoic, disillusioned sheriff and Pedro Pascal’s paranoid mayor obsessed with artificial intelligence. Emma Stone adds further strangeness with her portrayal of a doll-maker descending into influencer madness, while Austin Butler brings a mystifying cult-leader presence, adding to the film’s enigmatic tone.
Critics have observed that Eddington is sharper and faster paced than Beau Is Afraid, featuring political madness, gun violence, and a murder mystery subplot reminiscent of Fargo’s stranger-than-fiction style. Both films hold a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but Eddington feels less sprawling and more feral, deepening Ari Aster’s reputation for unpredictable and intense cinema.
Austin Butler’s Eddington Role Continues His Rise as a Scene-Stealing Force
Austin Butler’s career trajectory reflects a willingness to embrace offbeat, complex roles that defy mainstream expectations. Following his breakout glow in Elvis and a memorable silent turn as Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two, Butler’s cameo as a cult leader in Eddington cements his status as an actor who masterfully blends magnetism with enigmatic intensity.
His choices demonstrate a clear shift away from conventional fame pursuits, favoring roles that highlight range, unpredictability, and a connection to auteur-driven cinema. From collaborations with visionary directors like Darren Aronofsky to upcoming projects alongside Adam Driver in Heat 2, Butler’s selections hint at a carefully curated, chaotic, and fascinating career arc.
What to Expect: A Surreal, Darkly Satirical Experience Ahead
Pedro Pascal’s Eddington combines feverish satire, small-town unease, and social commentary with an unsettling, genre-bending style that challenges viewers at every turn. Ari Aster’s ability to craft immersive, emotionally fraught narratives anchored by exceptional performances from Pascal, Phoenix, Stone, and Butler promises a gripping, if disorienting, cinematic journey.
As anticipation builds, the film’s release will likely ignite conversations about contemporary political anxieties and personal breakdowns in an era of pandemic fatigue and cultural unrest. For fans of Ari Aster’s distinctive vision and Pedro Pascal’s compelling screen presence, Eddington sets the stage for a challenging yet captivating viewing experience in 2025.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal in so many memes?
A. The meme comes from the film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent featuring Nicholas Cage and Pedro Pascal. It didn’t spread widely on TikTok like the Snack Wars meme. However, it became very popular on Reddit and YouTube.
Q. Why did Pedro Pascal quit The Last of Us?
A. In a talk with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal discussed his character’s conclusion in the series. He mentioned that there was always an agreement to remain faithful to the original story. He added that the primary focus and commitment were for the first season.
Q. Is Pedro Pascal friends with Nicolas Cage?
A. Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal discuss their friendship in the movie ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.’
Q. Who has Pedro Pascal dated?
A. In the 1990s, before he gained fame, Pedro appeared in an episode of “Law & Order,” which was a common gig for many actors. This was during season 18, and he worked with Maria Dizzia, known from “Orange Is the New Black.” According to The Sun, their collaboration led to a relationship that continued for several years.
