Set in the tense climate of May 2020, 'Eddington' explores the fragile dynamics of a close-knit community in New Mexico, where a confrontation between Sheriff Joe Cross, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and the local mayor escalates into an explosive standoff. The film highlights the breakdown of civility and trust, as long-standing friendships dissolve into animosity. What begins as a personal conflict soon snowballs, pitting neighbor against neighbor, as underlying tensions and deep-seated grievances emerge, threatening to shatter the peace of this small town.
Sheriff Joe Cross, portrayed with a compelling intensity by Joaquin Phoenix, stands as the self-appointed protector of Eddington's values and traditions. He faces off against the charismatic and ambitious mayor, played by Pedro Pascal, whose progressive vision for the town clashes with Cross's more conservative stance. This power struggle reveals the complexities of leadership and the struggle for control in a turbulent political landscape, underscoring the universal themes of loyalty and betrayal. As the sheriff attempts to maintain order in a community that is increasingly divided, viewers are drawn into the emotional resonance of characters caught in an unforgiving cycle of conflict.
As tensions boil over, the narrative develops into a gripping portrayal of consequence and choice, forcing each character to confront their own beliefs and the costs associated with them. The performances of Phoenix and Pascal lend an authentic weight to the dilemmas faced by their characters, resonating with audiences on multiple levels. 'Eddington' not only serves as a commentary on the state of America in 2020 but also poses poignant questions about what it truly means to belong in a community. Will the residents of Eddington find a way to reconcile their differences, or will their divisions lead to fatal consequences?
Critics' Reviews
64
Ari Aster’s “Eddington” is a deliberately hollow provocation. It sets itself up as a statement on the chaos that took place in the summer of 2020, only to conclude that there is no explanation why much of humanity collapsed under the weight of conspiracy theories, mask debates, Black Lives Matter protests, and the rise of viral culture. You want to know how we got here? Tough shit. You never will. No one will.
80
Aster, who grew up in New Mexico, fills the story with localised observations: how the different institutions — the sheriffs, the mayor’s office, the indigenous tribal Pueblos — sit uncomfortably next to each other. He observes, too, how pandemic regulations and Black Lives Matter protests widen the divisions — or send people towards slick hucksters like Austin Butler’s cult leader Vernon Jefferson Peak. All this fed through the lens of the internet, symbolised by an enormous monolithic data centre being built in the town, leads only to a powder keg. (The director has described the film as “a Western, but the guns are phones”).
75
Eddington might be a satire of a situation that is impossible to satirize. It’s the sort of film that could play better in five years, that hindsight could lend gravity. Perhaps with distance, it will seem less masturbatory and more profound. Popularly described as a “western,” it’s more a dystopian sci-fi in which every single conspiracy theory held by anyone in our hellscape is manifested into reality. Beau is Afraid‘s Joaquin Phoenix returns, and the fact that this most mercurial, most difficult of actors has become Aster’s muse tells its own tale. In Eddington, he’s Joe Cross, sheriff of the small New Mexico town of Eddington. He’s married to deeply troubled, bedridden shut-in Louise (Emma Stone) in the first ot several broken relationships we encounter. One day, at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, Joe is publicly shamed for disregarding the town’s masking mandates; he goes viral, so to speak. This radicalizes him into running for mayor against incumbent Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), who isn’t principled so much as easily swayed by popular interests and the liberal donor class. As the picture’s 2020 narrative stretches on into the BLM protests, Eddington is set up to be a microcosm of our current state of total confusion and perpetual turmoil.
Main Cast of Eddington
Joaquin Phoenix
Joe Cross
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a transformative performance as Sheriff Joe Cross in the gripping thriller "Eddington." Phoenix, known for his intense method acting, embodies the role of the small-town sheriff with a complex moral compass, navigating the thin line between justice and personal vendetta. His portrayal is both physically imposing and emotionally nuanced; he brings a palpable intensity to the screen, conveying the weight of Cross's internal struggles as he confronts the dark underbelly of his seemingly quiet town. Phoenix's Sheriff Cross is a man haunted by his past, trying to atone for his sins while grappling with new challenges that test his resolve. Through subtle facial expressions and deliberate body language, Phoenix captures the essence of a flawed hero, whose determination to uncover the truth is as much about redemption as it is about duty. His performance anchors the film, drawing audiences into the heart of a character that is at once compelling and enigmatic.
Pedro Pascal
Ted Garcia
In the movie "Eddington," Pedro Pascal delivers a compelling performance as Ted Garcia, a character whose nuanced portrayal is a testament to Pascal's versatility and depth as an actor. As Ted, Pascal embodies a man of quiet strength and complex emotions, expertly conveying the inner turmoil of a scientist grappling with the weight of his research and its implications for humanity's understanding of the cosmos. Pascal's Ted is both stoic and vulnerable, often communicating volumes with a subtle change in expression or a measured pause in dialogue. His interactions with fellow cast members are laden with an intensity that is palpable, yet Pascal ensures that Ted's warmth and genuine curiosity about the universe never wane, even in the face of professional and personal adversity. The audience is drawn to Ted's journey, resonating with the passionate fervor Pascal brings to the role, and his performance undoubtedly anchors the film's exploration of the delicate balance between ambition, ethics, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Emma Stone
Louise Cross
In the movie "Eddington," Emma Stone delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as Louise Cross, a role that showcases her versatility and depth as an actress. Stone brings a quiet intensity to the character, embodying the strength and resilience of a woman who finds herself at the heart of a scientific discovery that challenges the very fabric of her reality. Her portrayal of Louise is both vulnerable and steadfast, capturing the essence of a mother consumed by the need to protect her family in the face of an otherworldly phenomenon. Stone's ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace is evident throughout the film, as she navigates the delicate interplay of fear, curiosity, and determination that drives her character's journey. Her chemistry with the cast, particularly in her interactions with the character of Eddington, is palpable, providing a human anchor to the film's more abstract themes. With her performance, Emma Stone not only cements her status as one of her generation's most talented actresses but also brings a rich, emotional depth to the scientific narrative of "Eddington."
Austin Butler
Vernon Jefferson Peak
In the movie "Eddington," Austin Butler delivers a compelling performance as Vernon Jefferson, a character that showcases his versatility and depth as an actor. Butler's portrayal of Jefferson, a brilliant but troubled young scientist working on the fictional Eddington Project, captures the essence of a mind teetering on the edge of genius and madness. His intense gaze and nuanced expressions convey the character's internal struggle between the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs and the moral implications of his research. Butler's Jefferson is both sympathetic and unsettling, as he navigates the pressures of a high-stakes environment, the weight of his own ambitions, and the growing isolation from his peers. Audiences are treated to a performance that is as haunting as it is memorable, with Butler skillfully peeling back the layers of Vernon Jefferson to reveal the complexities of a man grappling with the consequences of human advancement at the cost of his own humanity. His scenes are charged with an emotional intensity that anchors the film's exploration of the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.
Luke Grimes
Guy
In the movie "Eddington," Luke Grimes delivers a compelling performance as Guy, a character whose stoic exterior belies a complex inner world. Grimes brings a nuanced intensity to the role, skillfully conveying Guy's internal struggle and quiet determination. His interactions with the other characters are marked by a restrained yet palpable emotional depth, allowing viewers to sense the unspoken tension and camaraderie that define his relationships. Grimes's portrayal is particularly noteworthy for its physicality; he embodies Guy with a presence that feels both authentic and integral to the film's gritty atmosphere. Whether through silent gazes or terse dialogue, Grimes manages to capture the essence of his character's resilience and the weight of his moral compass, making Guy a standout character in the narrative tapestry of "Eddington."
Deirdre O'Connell
Dawn
Deirdre O'Connell delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Dawn in the film "Eddington," a role that demands both vulnerability and resilience. O'Connell embodies the character with a quiet strength, infusing Dawn with a sense of authenticity that resonates with the audience. Her portrayal is marked by a deep understanding of Dawn's complexities, from her struggles with personal and professional challenges to her determination to overcome them. O'Connell's expressive eyes and subtle shifts in demeanor convey the unspoken turmoil and resolve that lie beneath the surface of her character. Her interactions with the other characters are laced with an understated intensity that hints at Dawn's inner world, making her journey through the narrative both compelling and emotionally charged. Deirdre O'Connell's performance is a testament to her range as an actress and ensures that Dawn will be remembered as a poignant and inspiring figure in the cinematic landscape of "Eddington."
Crew of Eddington
Full backstage crew list →- Released July 16, 2025