Joaquin Phoenix stars in Eddington, a dark satire-drama set during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, now available on various VOD platforms including Amazon Prime Video. Directed and written by <a href="https://www.thecinemachina.com/tag/ari-aster/”>Ari Aster, known for his intense and unsettling films, this movie attempts to capture the deep divisions and social unrest defining America at that time, through a small New Mexico town’s unraveling. The film’s portrayal of this pandemic-ravaged world raises the question of whether it offers meaningful insight or simply relives collective trauma.
The Unfolding Chaos in a Small Town Battling a Pandemic
The story kicks off with a mysterious homeless man, played by Clifton Collins Jr., entering Eddington, New Mexico, seemingly embodying the chaos invading this quiet community. It is late May 2020, and Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) is skeptical about mask mandates, while the mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), grudgingly champions mask-wearing alongside promoting controversial development on nearby Pueblo land. The local political tension pits the conservative sheriff against the more liberal mayor, planting the seeds for a divisive election fight defined by simplistic slogans and deep resentments.
At home, Joe’s wife Louise (Emma Stone) copes with lockdown by crafting eerie dolls to sell online, and her mother Dawn (Dierdre O’Connell) becomes obsessed with conspiracy theories circulating on the internet, printing out articles for her family to read. This backdrop introduces a disjointed subplot involving a cult led by a charismatic yet unsettling figure, Vernon Jefferson Peak (Austin Butler), which feels underdeveloped amid the main narrative chaos.
Escalating Conflict amid Social Unrest and Pandemic Fears
The film progresses into greater turmoil when George Floyd’s murder sparks protests in Eddington. The young activists, including a protester named Brian (Cameron Mann), driven partly by romantic interest in a passionate social justice advocate named Sarah (Amelie Hoeferle), voice intersectional ideas largely disconnected from the older generation. The tension is further complicated by Joe’s deputies, including Mike (Micheal Ward), a Black officer, and Guy (Luke Grimes), while Mayor Ted’s son Eric (Matt Gomez Hidaka) also figures into the town’s fractious dynamics. As demonstrations escalate, the story examines how entrenched divisions push the town toward a breaking point, reflecting the wider national crisis.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Performance and the Film’s Style Choices
Phoenix delivers one of his trademark portrayals of a complex man overwhelmed by circumstances beyond his control, although the sprawling and oftentimes scattered material limits the depth he can fully explore. His performance, marked by intensity and a knack for embodying confused yet committed characters, comes across as one of the film’s stronger elements.
The movie moves between absurdist dark comedy and stark drama, sometimes successfully injecting humor through phrases like “denying denial” or dramatizing social media interactions as moments of looming dread. However, the blend of tones often feels uneven, leaving viewers at a distance emotionally. Visually, Aster’s style remains distinct, though it struggles to maintain coherence amid the film’s thematic overload.
Separating Fact from Fiction: Inspirations Behind ‘Eddington’
Eddington is a fictional story, but its narrative draws heavily on the real experiences and controversies of 2020 America. The film mirrors true events such as the emergence of COVID-19, widespread mask controversies, the impact of social media amplification, political polarization, protests following George Floyd’s death, and the spread of conspiracy theories. While not a direct retelling of specific occurrences, it uses these elements to create a microcosm of national tensions within a small-town setting.
Streaming Options and Availability of ‘Eddington’
Currently, Eddington is available on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and other VOD services, allowing audiences immediate access. However, the movie is not yet streaming on HBO Max, a platform often associated with new releases from its director Ari Aster. This delayed availability may affect its reach, with interested viewers needing to rent or buy the movie digitally for now.
How ‘Eddington’ Measures Up Among Recent Pandemic-Themed Films
The film’s attempt to tackle a multitude of timely issues such as pandemic denial, vaccine skepticism, social justice movements, politics, and digital culture places it among a growing slate of movies confronting recent history. Unlike Ari Aster’s previous, more introspective work like Beau Is Afraid, Eddington directs its lens outward, aiming for social commentary but losing focus amid the abundance of themes.
Its approach contrasts with other contemporaneous pandemic films which often focus on more personal or narrowly defined stories, rather than a sprawling depiction of cultural fracture. As a result, Eddington may feel overwhelming or diffuse for viewers seeking either catharsis or clear insight into the pandemic’s societal effects.
Final Thoughts: Is ‘Eddington’ Worth Your Time?
The film presents a bleak portrayal of America’s state during one of its most turbulent moments, refusing to offer hope or redemption. The tone conveys a growing frustration and despair, emphasizing divisiveness without resolution. While Ari Aster’s vision remains bold and uncompromising, Eddington struggles to find clarity amid the many conflicting storylines and thematic goals.
For those drawn to Phoenix’s nuanced acting or Aster’s stylistic filmmaking, it might be worth a watch. However, as the movie attempts to tackle every major issue from 2020 simultaneously, it may exhaust or alienate viewers rather than enlighten them. In the words of Sheriff Joe during a tense campaign scene:
Don’t make me think. Post it.
—Joe Cross, character
Ultimately, Eddington is less a thoughtful exploration and more a reflection of a nation overwhelmed by its challenges, making it a polarizing choice for streaming audiences. Our recommendation: skip this one unless you have a strong tolerance for its dark, sprawling chaos.
