A small town drama exploring public health, freedom, and societal fragmentation
Eddington, the latest film by writer-director Ari Aster, is set in a fictional New Mexico town during late May 2020. Against the backdrop of early pandemic fears, the film examines how divisions over health mandates and personal liberties can spiral into chaos.
Two leaders, one divided community
Pedro Pascal plays the town’s mayor, who insists on enforcing mask mandates and social distancing. Opposing him is Joaquin Phoenix’s character, the local sheriff, who believes those should be personal choices. This ideological clash reflects wider cultural tensions and soon begins to destabilize the town’s fragile sense of unity.
A two-part narrative driven by rising pressure
The story unfolds in two distinct parts. The first half builds tension through the introduction of local health policies and social unrest. The second half shows how misinformation and conflicting beliefs eventually lead to violence. The film also references the early stages of racial justice protests and the influence of online narratives in shaping public opinion.
A neutral lens on polarized perspectives
Aster, known for his ability to craft psychological tension, explains that his goal was to present each viewpoint with nuance. Rather than offering clear moral judgments, the film invites the audience to reflect on the consequences of ideological isolation. Eddington encourages viewers to consider how societies fracture under pressure—and whether reconciliation is possible after such a divide.
Through fictional storytelling, the film poses essential questions: Can we move beyond past polarization? What choices are still in our hands to prevent history from repeating itself?
