A24’s suspenseful thriller “Eddington” is set to premiere for streaming on HBO Max starting November 14. Directed by the acclaimed Ari Aster, known for his work on “Hereditary,” “Midsommar,” and “Beau Is Afraid,” the film features Joaquin Phoenix in the role of a small-town sheriff navigating the turbulent political landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.
In “Eddington,” Phoenix’s character finds himself in a heated election against incumbent mayor, played by Pedro Pascal, who embraces more progressive politics and encourages residents of Eddington, New Mexico, to adopt mask-wearing practices. In stark contrast, Phoenix’s character represents an anti-mask conservative viewpoint. As the story unfolds, the sheriff’s life spirals into chaos due to the intersection of political conflict, pandemic challenges, and rising violence.
The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Amélie Hoeferle, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone, each bringing depth to a narrative that reflects contemporary societal issues.
Despite receiving critical acclaim, “Eddington” had a modest box office performance, earning $4.3 million upon its opening and ranking sixth, ultimately accumulating $13 million in global sales.
Owen Gleiberman, Variety’s chief film critic, praised the film for its unexpected twists, stating, “Just when you think you’ve got ‘Eddington’ pinned down as a coherent and even conventional suspense tale, the movie wriggles out from under you and enters a terrain of stranger things.” He highlighted Aster’s ability to strike a balance between the film’s indulgent side and its stimulating storytelling, noting that while “Eddington” isn’t a horror film, it captures a recognizable madness reflective of current times.
With its timely themes and thought-provoking narrative, “Eddington” promises to be a compelling watch that resonates with viewers amidst ongoing societal dialogues.