Eddington 2 (2025)

Setting & Premise

Set in May 2020 during the early COVID-19 pandemic in a fictional New Mexico town, Eddington depicts a community unraveling under pressure. A heated clash between Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) ignites a powder keg—neighbors turn on neighbors as crises of politics, conspiracy, and ideology entangle them.

A couple stranded in this tense climate discovers that beneath the surface calm, something sinister takes hold each night. The film blends Western motifs, political theatre, and eerie social satire in Aster's tense, unsettling style.

Cast Snapshot

• Joaquin Phoenix as Joe Cross, the sheriff turned reluctant hero/politician

• Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted Garcia, whose charisma masks deeper agendas

• Emma Stone plays Joe’s wife caught in emotional and domestic turmoil

• Austin Butler appears as Vernon, a preacher/confessor whose influence stirs the community

• Supporting cast includes Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Michael Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr.

Themes & Tone

• Social fracture: sharp commentary on polarization, mistrust, and political zeal

• Pandemic anxiety: reflects early-COVID confusion and fear

• Genre fusion: a mutated Western-noir laced with dark comedy and suspense

• Character focus: asks how small-town leaders shape—and are shaped by—crisis

Aster delivers a visually bold and tension-filled world where the microcosm of Eddington becomes a spotlight on national unrest.

Production & Reception

• First Look released March 2025, followed by a trailer in June

• Cannes Premiere: screened in competition in May, building critical buzz

• Critic Reactions: praised for ambition and tone, though some find its satire uneven

• Home Market: wide theatrical release expected July 18; streaming windows TBD

Why It Stands Out

Ari Aster takes his signature unsettling artistry into real-world territory—combining political urgency with genre stylings. With powerful lead performances and timely themes, Eddington promises to be one of the boldest and most provocative films of 2025.