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Time Magazine
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Ari Aster Breaks Down the Ambiguous Ending of Eddington
Warning: This piece contains major spoilers for the ending of Eddington. Ari Aster is no stranger to making movies that get people's attention. His debut feature, Hereditary, and his sophomore effort, Midsommar, were huge successes for distributor A24 and helped spark conversation about 'elevated horror.' Aster kept audiences guessing with his wildly ambitious Beau is Afraid, a three-hour comedy-horror starring Joaquin Phoenix that wasn't successful at the box office, but certainly generated plenty of conversation among those who saw it. Eddington, his fourth feature, is his most divisive yet. It takes place in May 2020 in the fictional small town of Eddington, New Mexico, as the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic meets the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement. It follows Joe Cross (Phoenix), Eddington's sheriff, who lives with his wife, Louise (Emma Stone), and mother-in-law Dawn (Deirdre O'Connell), the latter of whom regularly espouses conspiracy theories. Joe, who has asthma, strongly opposes the implementation of mask mandates that Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) is keen to enforce. Furious over the perceived infringement on his and his neighbors' freedom, Joe decides on a whim to challenge Ted in the upcoming election. Things escalate completely out of control from there. 'The film is about a bunch of people who care about the world and know that something is wrong,' says Aster, who wrote and directed Eddington, of its take on that recent era's brewing distrust. 'They feel very clearly that something is wrong, but they're all living in different realities, and they disagree about what that thing is that's wrong.' While the townspeople debate the building of a giant new data center which will bring jobs and industry but drain natural resources, its citizens confront the conflict between police and Black Lives Matter protestors, anger and frustration over masks, and the rampant conspiracy theories increasingly finding a foothold among citizens living much of their lives on the internet. We sat down with Aster to discuss the film's explosive ending and what he's trying to say through all the violence, twists, and 11th-hour gags. Everything falls apart for Joe While Joe's campaign for mayor gains steam, things at home are crumbling. Louise is furious that he entered the race without discussing it with her, but when he makes a video claiming that Ted is a sexual predator who took advantage of Louise when she was underage, things take a turn for the worse. Louise makes a video in response stating that Joe's claims are utterly false, leading Joe's credibility to falter. She leaves Joe for Vernon (Austin Butler), a cult leader whose belief in a powerful ring of pedophiles Louise hops on board with. After a heated public interaction with Ted, who brutally slaps Joe (in an altercation set ironically to Katy Perry's 'Firework'), Joe is left completely defeated. He does the unthinkable, killing both Ted and their son in their home at long range from the desert, sniper style. Joe then sprays 'No Justice, No Peace' on Ted's wall, attempting to pin the murders on Antifa, which has been gaining attention via viral videos. When a police officer from the nearby Pueblo tribe (William Belleau) gets involved with the investigation, citing sovereignty over the land from which the bullets were fired, and quickly becomes suspicious of Joe, the sheriff begins to spiral. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, a group of masked extremists descends, luring Joe to the outskirts of town where they plan to wreak havoc. They detonate explosives that kill one of Joe's fellow police officers and severely wounds the other, Michael (Micheal Ward), who has been hoping he might fill Joe's shoes if Joe wins the election, while also being pressured to join the BLM protests as one of the town's small number of Black residents. Joe finds himself in a firefight for his life on the streets of Eddington, arming himself at a gun shop and dodging bullets through the empty town in a lengthy Western-style shootout. Multiple interpretations of who the shooters might be Eddington is a movie of screens. They dictate the way the people of Eddington live, as real to them as the world outside. Characters are constantly on their phones or computers, scrolling social media, watching YouTube, and going down various rabbit holes about government conspiracies, mask-wearing, and whatever else reinforces their worldviews. 'Every character is paranoid, and they're all very certain of what they feel is happening,' says Aster. That sense of paranoia infects every frame of Eddington. And just as characters are consumed by their screens, 'the film becomes possessed by the worldview of these characters,' Aster says. But once the pivotal shootout happens, screens are almost nowhere to be found. The sudden disappearance is almost enough to make you think Joe is undergoing some horrifying COVID-induced fever dream. Aster confirmed that shifting from omnipresent electronic devices to none at all was purposeful. 'In the climactic sequence, there's no longer any need for screens. They've done their job,' he says, suggesting that paranoia has well and truly taken over in Eddington. Joe finds himself roaming Eddington, shooting at anyone and everyone attacking him, including not-so-accidentally killing the Pueblo officer who found evidence to connect Joe to Ted's murder. Shots cut through the air, and bullets hail from every direction as Joe tries to stay alive. 'You have those anonymous shooters emerging from the dark,' says Aster. 'That feels like an interesting metaphor for how the internet tends to work. It grants us anonymity in a way that I think does not bring out our better selves.' It's telling that Aster uses the word 'anonymous,' despite an earlier scene clearly establishing men geared up and donning Antifa insignia coming into Eddington via plane. 'The film is meant to function as something of a Rorschach test. That is the moment at which the film either announces itself as satire, or announces itself as a way that's really getting at what's happening—more conspiracy-minded people,' says Aster. Just because Eddington presents the shooters as Antifa doesn't mean that's necessarily who they are. 'Everything that's there would tell us that those people are Antifa, whether that means that they're being sent in by the GOP to make it look like Antifa is dangerous, or whether you're on the other side and you believe that George Soros is sending them in.' But Aster won't say which he believes it to be: 'It felt important and maybe a little impish to leave that to the viewer,' he says. A third alternative beyond an assault secretly organized by the left or right? Perhaps the killers have been hired by the powers that want to build the data center in Eddington. The data center is on the periphery of the film, but it's clear that very wealthy and powerful people are invested in the development of the center, and a town already engulfed in a national media circus is hardly a suitable place for its installation. Is all the violence and division just a distraction from the real problem? Perhaps they posed as Antifa and brought violence to the town to destabilize it so they could come into that power vacuum, offering jobs and stability, just what a torn-up Eddington would desperately need. The unlikely rise of Brian and Dawn The brutal shootout ends thanks to Brian (Cameron Mann), a teenager who has been an active member of the Black Lives Matter protests, though only to impress a girl he likes. Brian guns down an assailant, but not before the latter stabs Joe in the head. The moment is captured on film (bringing screens back to Eddington), and we flash forward one year. The video has gone viral on TikTok, leading the opportunistic Brian to become a sudden icon of the right wing. That includes a hilarious moment where Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene herself demands that Brian receive a Congressional Medal of Honor. Aster says that Kyle Rittenhouse served as the model for Brian's sudden rise. 'Brian is a very interesting and important character in the film, because he is somebody who's not ideologically driven. He's a normal kid looking for community and wants a girlfriend. He joins the left-wing movement for pretty disingenuous reasons. In the end, he'll go where he's wanted. It's a consequence of this hyper-individualistic society that we live in,' says Aster. After the shootout, Joe is left braindead and in a wheelchair. He's technically serving as mayor, but his conspiracy-pilled mother-in-law, Dawn, has taken over, marking her new role with some fancier pantsuits. The town celebrates the opening of the data center. Joe has accomplished his mission to bring the town together, and got everything he wanted—except the love of his life, who left him for Vernon and is now pregnant with his child. But he's left virtually functionless, forced to live out the rest of his days without any agency. His nurse is sleeping with his mother-in-law, and they all share a bed. 'There's an element of karmic punishment there,' Aster says. 'But it's more of a success story for Dawn. She's somebody who is loaded with convictions, and was looking for a platform, and she ultimately is the mayor at the end.' The data center at the center of it all The final shot is not of Joe, Dawn, or any other person. Instead, book-ending the film's opening on the proposed site of the new development, it's of solidgoldmagikarp, the now-completed giant data center, looming in the middle of the New Mexico desert on the outskirts of Eddington. (The name of the data center doesn't reference the Pokémon Magikarp, but rather an AI token that causes disruption or erratic behaviour in AI)..'There are many winners and losers at the end of the film, but there's only one unequivocal winner, and that's the data center,' says Aster. 'It's a peripheral detail in the film, but it's absolutely central to the film's point. It's a hyper-scale data center, which is tied to AI. We begin with the promise of it coming, and we end with it being achieved. There's a way of looking at the film and saying all of those stories and all of these characters are now just training data. The movie itself is training data,' Aster says. The ending of Eddington remains wide open to interpretation, but that's how Aster sees it. 'It's a movie that's about a bunch of people navigating a crisis while another crisis incubates,' Aster says. That other crisis is the surging of AI. 'AI, at this point, seems too big to fail. It feels like we're in an arms race. The people who are warning us about this are the ones who are ushering it in, and they think that that is relieving them of responsibility. I think the dominant feeling of this moment is one of powerlessness and dread.' Aster knows that's bleak, but he doesn't see Eddington as nihilistic. "I think there's hope in the fact that the film is a period piece,' Aster says. 'I hope it can give people the opportunity to look back at how we were and maybe in that experience, see a little bit more clearly how we are on the path that we're on and maybe ask the question: Do we want to stay on this path?'
Tom's Guide
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix clash in A24's new 'Eddington' trailer — and it's already on my must-watch list
Reality is a horror movie in A24's upcoming film "Eddington," which just got a new trailer today. It's a contemporary western set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic from horror director Ari Aster, the demented mind behind "Hereditary" and "Midsommar." And if its divisive premiere at the Cannes Film Festival is any indication, it's bound to spark heated discourse when "Eddington" hits theaters on July 18. I'm a huge fan of Ari Aster's films, but his last one, "Beau is Afraid," was such a convoluted dud that I've been holding off on getting my hopes up for "Eddington." But this new trailer is chilling in all the right ways, and it just catapulted "Eddington" to the top of my must-watch list. The trailer showed Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal facing off in a fictional small town that becomes a lightning rod for systemic issues in America. When anti-mask local sheriff Joe (Phoenix) decides to take a stand against COVID-19 safety precautions, it puts him in conflict with Pascal's incumbent mayor, Ted Garcia. The clash sets the community on edge until simmering tensions finally explode, turning neighbors against each other. You can check out the full trailer below: A haunting cover of "Home on the Range" in the trailer hammers home the themes of misplaced patriotism, fear-mongering, and paranoia. You know the other (cowboy) boot is about to drop, but wondering how the powder keg will spark is what lures you in. It also helps that "Eddington's" cast is stacked with Hollywood A-listers. In addition to "The Last of Us" star Pedro Pascal, the cast also includes Emma Stone as Joe's religious wife and Austin Butler as a social media figure a la Alex Jones. Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., and "Yellowstone" star Luke Grimes round up the rest of the ensemble. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This new trailer is the first real glimpse we've gotten of Aster's upcoming film yet. A minute-long teaser trailer went live in April, but it only showed Phoenix's character scrolling through an explosive social media feed. Based on the trailer and early reviews, "Eddington" is shaping up to be the horror director's most divisive film yet. Its focus on hot-button issues — the polarizing effects of social media, pandemic paranoia, and how American identity has twisted into something unrecognizable — is all but guaranteed to spark capital "D" discourse from audiences on all sides. It remains to be seen whether "Eddington" will connect with audiences. While "Midsommar" and "Hereditary" were female-led horror stories about grief that achieved critical and commercial success, "Beau is Afraid" marked a major departure from his breakout horror movies. One that many, including myself, would argue is for the worse. Phoenix's surreal odyssey to confront his anxiety and family trauma ultimately fell flat with critics and viewers alike, with the critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes describing it as "overstuffed to the point of erasing the line between self-flagellation and self-indulgence." While Phoenix's Sheriff Cross is an entirely different type of character, it does seem that Aster's latest collaboration with the star will take on a more comedic tone in line with "Beau is Afraid." That alone has me holding off on trying to convince friends to see it with me in theaters (watching "Beau is Afraid's" climax together is something I'll never live down), but the trailer is intriguing enough to convince me to scope it out on my own first. I'm cautiously optimistic to see how Aster's idiosyncratic style and surrealism will square with satire on real-life issues. It will be interesting to see whether this new mix of themes and genres successfully comes together in the end. "Eddington" hits theaters on July 18.
Pink Villa
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Here's How Much Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson's Die, My Love Scored on Rotten Tomatoes Post 2025 Cannes Premiere
Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence can be caught in the latest psychological entry, Die, My Love. While the movie had a grand opening at the Cannes Film Festival, it has even received great scores from critics as well as from Rotten Tomatoes. The movie, which comes from the highly talented director Lynne Ramsay, has grabbed the interest of everyone. Following its premiere at Cannes on May 17, Rotten Tomatoes has officially come forward with a Tomatometer score for the feature. With 13 different critics' write-ups, the film has received a stellar 92% score. As per reports, until now, only one negative review has been delivered about the film, with Die, My Love having a score of 7 out of 10 or higher. The movie has been performing great at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, also exceeding the performance of Eddington. In case you might not know, the aforementioned movie is by Ari Aster and is a horror-Western. It stars a grand cast including Pedro Pascal, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone. Interestingly, this film even happens to be a reunion between Ari Aster and Joaquin Phoenix, after Beau is Afraid. The movie has earned a 67% score. Die, My love has even surpassed the scores of Amélie Bonnin's dramedy Leave One Day, having a 58% score, and the spy action entry of Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, having an 80% score. The movie in question happens to be a tale of a woman from a remote, forgotten rural area. The character of Jennifer Lawrence, Grace, who is a mother, is shown to struggle and maintain her sanity as she fights wth psychosis after her pregnancy. Die, My Love has been penned by Araina Harwicz, Lynne Ramsay, and Enda Walsh. Besides Pattinson and Lawrence, the feature also stars Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek, LaKeith Stanfield and more.
Metro
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Pedro Pascal fought a bee for Emma Stone and fans can't cope
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal played knight in shining armour for Emma Stone on the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival when they were suddenly attacked by a bee. The stars were being photographed with Austin Butler, 33, to celebrate the premiere of their new movie Eddington, directed by Midsommar and Hereditary mastermind Ari Aster and co-starring Joaquin Phoenix, 50. However, the trio were soon distracted by the arrival of an inquisitive bee, which honed in on La La Land actress Emma, 36. Noting the bee's arrival, an alarmed-looking Emma recoiled, leaning into co-star Pedro, 50, as it buzzed around their heads. Between posing for pictures, co-star Pedro helped to fend off the beast, shooing it away with a playful swat as Austin lightly blew in its general direction. The moment soon attracted the attention of fans online, who had social media abuzz with talk of Pedro's swift action. Writing in reaction to the footage acquired by Variety, thirsty fans on X shared their sense of jealousy at Emma's personal bodyguard. 'Oh to be attacked by a bee on the Cannes red carpet so I can hold onto Pedro Pascal for dear life so he can save me,' wrote whatsername94. 'I need Pedro Pascal to save me from a bee just once in my life,' agreed humanndisaster. 'oh to be Emma Stone getting protected by Pedro Pascal and Austin Butler from a bee,' said pedxascal. 'Oh my god i LOVE this picture Emma Stone trying to back off from flying at her bee Pedro Pascal wheezing at the scene and Austin Butler just there serving jawline and side profile,' noted thecinesque of the unfolding scene. 'Now I know how sensitive Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal are about how they treated the bee. That's 🥰🥰 Emma Stone's natural but still delicate reaction because the bee thought she was a flower… Awwww!! 🌸🐝' said moodylici0us. Disaster averted, Emma, Pedro and Austin continued to celebrate the premiere of Eddington, which marked their collaboration with horror director Ari Aster. Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, this modern Western follows a small-town sheriff (played by Beau is Afraid star Joaquin, in his second film with the director) as he faces off against its mayor (Pedro), sparking a parochial feud which threatens to consume the town. More Trending In the film, Austin plays charismatic local cult leader Vernon Jefferson Peak, while Emma plays the sheriff's wife. Playing at Cannes on Friday, Eddington received a five-minute standing ovation, reportedly moving star Joaquin to tears. Garnering 63% on Rotten Tomatoes since its premiere, the film has already divided critics, with some praising its satirical edge, while The Hollywood Reporter described it as 'bloated' and 'self-indulgent.' Regardless, the film is one of most anticipated Cannes releases – and coming from the man behind the likes of Midsommar and Beau is Afraid, its combination of COVID drama and modern Western is sure to be no less bee-fuddling. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Now we know why Tom Cruise is always at the movies MORE: Tom Cruise reunites with Jerry Maguire co-star 30 years after Oscar-winning film MORE: French actor banned from Cannes over rape allegations in new red carpet rules
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix has just added Joaquin Phoenix's "memorable" and "bizarre" must-see comedy
Netflix UK and Ireland has just added Beau is Afraid, the incredibly surreal black 2023 comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix, to its library. Directed by Hereditary and Midsommar's Ari Aster, the film is about a man attempting to go and visit his mother. It's really about a lot more than that, and a lot of strange things happen, but that would be giving it away. We will say that it also stars Agatha All Along's Patti LuPone, The Lion King's Nathan Lane, The White Lotus season 3's Parker Posey, and Barry's Bill Hader. Related: Best streaming services Upon its release, The Independent wrote that the film is "a three-hour comedy of bad vibes and ritual humiliation. It's as memorable, audacious, and indulgent as you'd hope from A24's most expensive film to date." The film's "bizarre" (via Huffington Post) nature wasn't to everyone's tastes, but if you're in the mood for something weird and you're a Netflix subscriber, it's easier than ever to give Beau a go. Following the release of Beau is Afraid, Joaquin Phoenix starred in Joker: Folie à Deux, which didn't do very with critics, or at the box office. Related: The actor also recently exited an untitled gay romance film that he had co-written shortly before it was due to go into production, and the entire project has been on ice ever since. When asked about it at a Joker press conference, he said: "If I do [answer], I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives aren't here to say their piece, and it just doesn't feel like that would be right. "I'm not sure how that would be helpful. So I don't think I will." You Might Also Like PS5 consoles for sale – PlayStation 5 stock and restocks: Where to buy PS5 today? IS MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 THE BEST IN THE SERIES? OUR REVIEW AEW game is a modern mix of No Mercy and SmackDown
