Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ Struggles as a Political Satire Despite Strong Cast

Ari Aster, known for his acclaimed horror films, takes a bold step into political satire with ‘Eddington,’ but the result is a disappointing misfire. Set in a small New Mexico town during the tumultuous summer of 2020, the film follows Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix), a rebellious sheriff frustrated by pandemic restrictions, who decides to run for mayor against the incumbent Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). The story attempts to explore the paranoia, culture wars, and social unrest of the COVID era, but never delves deeply into its themes. While the cast, including Emma Stone and Austin Butler, deliver committed performances, the script fails to give them substantial material. The film touches on topics like conspiracy theories, Black Lives Matter protests, and the rise of AI, but only in a superficial way. Attempts at satire lack precision, and the humor rarely lands, leaving the movie feeling emotionally stagnant. Unlike Aster’s previous works, which were praised for their psychological depth, ‘Eddington’ offers little insight into its characters or the era it depicts. Ultimately, the film is criticized for being ideologically flimsy and failing to provide meaningful commentary on the issues it raises, making it Aster’s first notable directorial misstep.