The film Eddington, produced by A24 and created by Ari Aster, will become available for streaming on HBO Max starting November 14. It will then have its television debut on HBO’s linear channel on November 15 at 8pm Eastern Time. This release brings renewed attention to the filmmaker’s latest work.
Plot and Cast Overview
Written and directed by Ari Aster, known for Midsommar and Hereditary, Eddington is a satirical contemporary western that unfolds amid the tensions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The story takes place in Eddington, New Mexico, where a standoff erupts in May 2020 between a small-town sheriff, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, and the mayor, played by Pedro Pascal. This confrontation escalates into a wider conflict pitting neighbor against neighbor.
The cast includes notable actors such as Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Amélie Hoeferle, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone, adding depth to this tense community drama.
Critical Response and Controversy
Critics have expressed frustration with the film’s tone and approach. Meagan Navarro commented,
“Eddington makes you sit with the discomforting tour down memory lane, just dialed up to violent, satirical excess. That it feels like it’s punching down in its pitch-black observations only further frustrates. Aster’s latest winds up feeling like empty provocation for provocation’s sake, and not much else.”
Navarro’s review highlights the unease and tension that the film aims to evoke but suggests the work ultimately feels hollow in its provocations.
The Film’s Place and Future Impact
Eddington marks another bold entry from Ari Aster into complex and unsettling storytelling, continuing his exploration of dark themes. Its release on HBO Max and HBO provides wide accessibility, though its critical reception may affect audience expectations. The film’s engagement with pandemic-era conflicts reflects current societal divides, making it a provocative, if polarizing, addition to recent cinema.
