Ari Aster’s Eddington explores the impact of social media and conspiracy theories on modern society

Ari Aster, the director of films like *Hereditary* and *Midsommar*, channeled his frustration with social media into his latest project, *Eddington*. Written during the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests, the movie critiques the fractured reality people experience due to their exposure to social media algorithms. Set in a small southwestern town, *Eddington* is a modern western that delves into the consequences of living in separate digital bubbles, where conspiracy theories and online extremism dominate people’s perspectives. The film highlights this divide through characters, including a populist sheriff (played by Joaquin Phoenix) and his opposition, a corrupt liberal mayor (Pedro Pascal). Aster’s approach to representing social media in the film involves directly showcasing Facebook and Twitter feeds on screen, immersing the audience in the characters’ digital worlds. The film also touches on the rise of artificial intelligence, illustrating the anxiety surrounding its increasing presence in society. The final act of the film intensifies, blending real-world issues with absurd action sequences, reflecting how the internet shapes perceptions of reality. Aster’s work critiques both the polarizing effect of the internet and the role AI plays in creating a world where truth and trust are in jeopardy.