Eddington: Ari Aster’s Pandemic-Era Western of Paranoia and Collapse

This film offers a dark and satirical take on pandemic-era America, set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, during the height of COVID‑19. Directed by Ari Aster, it unfolds as a modern fable blending western motifs, politics, and social paranoia, turning the tensions of 2020 into a chaotic, black-comedy narrative.

The story follows Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix), a man infuriated by mask mandates and viral misinformation, who challenges progressive mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) in a volatile local election. The situation intensifies with Black Lives Matter protests and conspiracy theories spreading rapidly through social media. The film captures this unrest using a modern western aesthetic, intercut with digital feeds and online posts that emphasize the societal breakdown.

Aster introduces layered characters like Louise (Emma Stone), emotionally unstable and trapped in ambiguous relationships, and a gaslighting conspiracy-theorist mother, adding psychological complexity to the political conflict. The cinematography and score reinforce a mood of unease, highlighting social fragmentation and internal collapse. Critics have noted that while the film boldly tackles themes like polarization, cancel culture, and digital dystopia, its abundance of ideas can make the viewing experience overwhelming at times.

For viewers drawn to films that challenge perceptions of digital decay, political extremism, and post-pandemic identity, Eddington is a thought-provoking ride. It doesn’t offer easy answers—but it does provoke urgent questions about the era we’re still trying to understand.