Eddington

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Westerns hold a dear place in the hearts of those who grew up during their heyday, and for those who were introduced to classic productions through television reruns or VHS/DVDs. Although they’re not produced as frequently as other genres today, Ari Aster’s Eddington is the newest addition to the realm of showdowns and standoffs. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, Eddington revolves around the confrontation between a small-town sheriff (Phoenix) and the Mayor (Pascal), which ignites tension as neighbors become divided. The movie is set in May 2020 in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico. The Aster-directed film will hit theaters on July 18, 2025, but it had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025.

At the film festival, both critics and viewers had a chance to see either an exceptional new Western or a disappointing one. Though personal opinions on the movie will vary when it’s released in theaters, those who trust the judgement of film experts can get a sense of what they might think based on its initial Rotten Tomatoes reviews. Alongside Phoenix and Pascal, the film Eddington boasts an impressive cast including Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Michael Ward, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone. Given the star-studded ensemble and strong script, one might expect immediate praise; however, its current Rotten Tomatoes rating stands at 63%, based on just 19 reviews.

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David Fear from Rolling Stone commented, “Aster has delivered another film that sends shivers down your spine, unsettles you, and leaves you wanting to escape. Unfortunately, it seems too similar to reality.” Meanwhile, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian stated that Ari Aster is on a disappointing streak with this movie, scoring it 2 out of 5 stars. “Ari Aster unfortunately creates a losing streak with this confusing, dull film. It’s a tedious and self-important satire that turns some unengaging and unoriginal ideas into a heavy, tasteless meal.

Some people think that “Eddington” could be one of Aster’s most humorous films and praise it as a remarkable production. Josh Korngut from Dread Central commented, “In his brilliant fourth film, Ari Aster strips away America’s veneer of decency to reveal the decay beneath, showing us the rotting flesh on the face of the chaotic monster we’ve been evolving into for so long.” Korngut also gave the movie a perfect score of five. Sophie Monks Kaufman from The Independent (UK) wrote, “This is Aster’s funniest film yet, with a large and changing cast that pepper the 150-minute runtime with witty comedic details and visual rewards.

Mixed Reviews for Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’

If you prefer your entertainment devoid of political undertones, then the Western genre may not appeal to you, as its content is frequently politically charged, either subtly or overtly. Ari Aster’s Eddington, for instance, doesn’t seem to buck this trend. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have noted that while it incorporates humor and a traditional Western atmosphere, it also tackles the story of a divided town, which is a common theme in political productions. Given the politically charged climate we find ourselves in today, it’s not surprising that the film has received mixed reviews for its political content.

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2025-05-17 14:01