Eddington
review by Bobby Blakey
Director Ari Aster has already cemented himself as one of the best and most unique filmmakers out there with films including Hereditary, Beau is Afraid and my personal favorites Midsommer. Now he is reteaming with his Beau is Afraid star Joaquin Phoenix, for his latest film Eddington. Could this latest film bring something different to his voice, or will it need to keep its distance for safety?
Eddington follows a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor that sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico in May of 2020. The film features a great cast including Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward, Amélie Hoeferle, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, with Austin Butler and Emma Stone.
Coming off the previous films, you expect something out there from Aster so wasn’t sure what to expect of this one, but as a fan I was excited. Once you get into the thick of it and realize the catalyst of the entire plot comes in the form of COVID and the mandates you know things could easily get divided and they do so in a big way. I like that it has a voice and opinions on the whole thing, but also walks the line of neutral allowing each character to be a voice of all sides in the chaos that was 2020.
Phoenix is unsurprisingly excellent here with his character being the one trying to take the stand that most think is insane while also clearly dealing with personal and his own physical issues on top of it all. His status as Sherif should give him a place of authority, but it becomes clear very quickly that he is as messed up as everyone else and a boiling pot of anxiety, emotions and frustration that will no doubt come to a head sooner than later.
The rest of the cast is good as well, but this is Phoenix all the way. There are some brilliant smaller teases throughout the film in the form of visuals and dialogue that are setting up things to come, but not always in that obvious way. The entire story might seem just like another argument over wearing or not wearing a mask, but the layers are so much bigger. Not only are we dealing with that stuff it takes on the dangers of spreading misinformation, the effects of online presence among other things. The film is a western of sorts that feels like it kind of limps along at times as we just watch these people talk and argue, but it’s so much more.
The final act turns it all up letting the bullets fly and explosions ignite as everything in this town boils over once and for all. It gets a bit over the top but is speaking for more than just the physical action on screen, but to the varying issues I mentioned and how it goes from bad to worse in the worst way possible for everyone. It won’t work for everyone, but I am always a sucker for a heavy dialogue film especially if the characters are off kilter and interesting and this film is just that. It once again showcases the masterful filmmaking of Aster and keeps me eager to see what’s coming next.
Decide for yourself and check out Eddington available now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD from A24.