Ari Aster’s latest film, “Eddington,” set in a small rural town in New Mexico, explores the turbulent atmosphere of May 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, political conflict, and racial injustice. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal as the sheriff and mayor, who confront each other on both political and personal fronts. The narrative immerses viewers in the chaos and disinformation prevalent during that historically charged period, where characters mirror real-life pandemic distress and social unrest, reflecting the pent-up feelings many experienced during isolation.
Aster captures the essence of the racial reckoning following George Floyd’s murder as the predominantly white community of Eddington engages in protests and dialogues about police brutality. However, the film’s portrayal of these events raises critical questions about character depth, particularly the representation of its sole Black character, Michael, played by Micheal Ward. Despite the significant role he occupies, Michael is depicted in a narrowly defined capacity, solely as a police officer without exploring the nuances of his identity and experiences as a Black man in today’s society. This limited characterization and the simplistic writing around him detract from the movie’s attempts to engage with complex racial conversations.
Aster’s attempt to reproduce the tension of that moment feels superficial and serves more as a commentary than an authentic exploration of the issues at hand. While the film resonates with echoes of true societal sentiments, it risks being seen as a shallow reenactment rather than a meaningful narrative.
There have been comparisons made to works like Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” which successfully filtered societal issues through a lens of dramatic storytelling. Aster’s “Eddington,” by contrast, provides a cynical take on historical reenactments without the emotional depth that would fully engage its audience.
This film serves as a reflection on the time it represents, though it may provoke thought regarding the complexity of narratives surrounding race and identity in cinematic storytelling. As discussions around these topics continue to evolve, “Eddington” stands as a reminder of the importance of authentic representation and character development in tackling serious societal themes.
Overall, Aster’s film initiates dialogues about pressing issues, and while it may falter in execution, it opens the door for viewers to reflect on the darker chapters of recent history.