Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ Captures America’s Unraveling Post-COVID

LOS ANGELES, CA — Director Ari Aster‘s new film, ‘Eddington,’ provides a critical look at American society during the summer of 2020. Set in the fictional desert town of Eddington, New Mexico, the film centers on Sheriff Joe Cross, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, who refuses to wear a face mask amidst pandemic anxieties.

As the film unfolds, Cross’s stance stands in stark contrast to those around him, reflecting Aster’s commentary on society’s reaction to the pandemic. Cross, described as a chaotic but earnest character, symbolizes the confusion and denial many experienced during COVID-19.

The film’s narrative takes a turn with the murder of George Floyd, which inspires a local anti-racist movement. However, Aster critiques the movement’s participants, characterizing them as self-deluded and revealing a broader commentary on moral absolutism in America.

Aster’s portrayal of Eddington serves as an allegory for a country he sees as broken, where societal norms have eroded during the pandemic. He depicts a juxtaposition of paranoia and disconnection that has permeated American life, attributing this to the restrictive COVID measures and the psychological impact they have had on individuals.

A significant subplot focuses on Cross’s personal life, particularly his troubled marriage to Louise, played by Emma Stone. Their relationship is strained when Vernon, a character representing a support group for survivors of child abuse, enters their lives, further complicating Cross’s struggle to maintain his authority and personal connections.

The film intricately weaves themes of social media influence, conspiracy theories, and cultural disintegration, illustrating how these forces have reshaped American society. Aster’s commentary extends to the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in Eddington, asserting the importance of the protests while also satirizing the performative aspects of activism.

In a powerful conclusion, ‘Eddington’ emerges as a dark, thought-provoking exploration of a transformed America. The film invites audiences to reflect on identity, societal fracture, and the distortion of reality, ultimately posing the question of what America has become in the aftermath of a national crisis.