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The trailer for Ari Aster‘s upcoming western thriller, Eddington, has finally arrived, hinting at a departure from his previous works with a fresh narrative that defies audience expectations. Aster appears to be venturing into uncharted territory, as Eddington promises to deviate from the established tones of his earlier films like Hereditary and Beau Is Afraid.
Ari Aster, renowned for his groundbreaking entry into horror cinema with Hereditary in 2018, crafted a film rich in psychological complexity that resonated deeply within the horror genre, marking its place as A24’s fourth-highest-grossing film. Following this success, Aster continued to captivate audiences with Midsommar, which showcased Florence Pugh’s talent alongside its abundant cultural symbolism and feminist themes. Together, these films have established Aster as a prominent figure in emotionally charged horror storytelling.
As anticipation built for Aster’s third film, Beau Is Afraid, expectations soared for another intricate exploration of horror. However, the film turned out to be a surreal, three-hour journey that polarized viewers and underperformed at the box office. Despite the mixed reception, it showcased Aster’s willingness to take risks and challenge conventional narratives. With Eddington, Aster appears ready to surprise audiences yet again.
Who Stars in ‘Eddington’?
The ensemble cast of Eddington features Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and others, marking the second collaboration between Aster and Phoenix. This partnership signifies a developing synergy reminiscent of classic director-actor relationships in cinema. Aster expressed his admiration for Phoenix, stating, “Now I can’t imagine making a film without him.”
What Did We Learn From the ‘Eddington’ Trailer?
The teaser trailer, while brief, has provided intriguing details about Eddington. Set against the backdrop of a fictional New Mexico town during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film centers on a sheriff, portrayed by Phoenix, who finds himself in conflict with the local mayor, played by Pascal. A24 describes the narrative as one where “neighbor will be pitted against neighbor,” establishing a societal tension that reflects contemporary issues.
The film has been categorized under genres such as “Contemporary Western,” “Dark Comedy,” and “Drama,” indicating a possible tonal blend that’s different from Aster’s previous works. Clips shown in the trailer reveal a glimpse of Phoenix’s character navigating the fraught landscape, including his interactions with a televangelist played by Butler and a seemingly apologetic video from Stone. These elements suggest a departure from horror into a realm of satirical social commentary—an avenue Aster has not prominently explored before.
The trailer hints at a politically charged narrative, capturing a snapshot of digital communication in a crisis-tinged setting. Phoenix’s character scrolls through various videos, including TikTok clips and announcements from the mayor, creating a profound societal critique relevant to modern audiences. Such an approach indicates that the film will tackle significant thematic issues while maintaining a sense of humor and darkness.
‘Eddington’ Shows Another New Side of Ari Aster
As anticipation builds for Eddington‘s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, viewers are keen to see how Aster navigates this new thematic landscape. Scheduled for a wide release on July 18, 2025, the film stands as a testament to Aster’s innovative spirit and his desire to experiment with narrative forms, leaving audiences speculating about the depths of his creative vision.
Source
movieweb.com