What is Eddington all about? Details explored as trailer drops for the film
Eddington is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025, marking a bold entry into the contemporary Western genre. Written and directed by Ari Aster, the film is set for release on July 18, 2025, by A24.
It features an ensemble cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and many others. The film explores the political and social turmoil within the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Eddington teaser initially provided viewers with their first taste of the provocative movie's universe. Particularly after its May 2025 Cannes Film Festival world premiere, the talk around the movie started to gain steam.
In the trailer, which dropped on June 10th, 2025, Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix), a conservative sheriff, and Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), a liberal mayor, are seen in a tense standoff as they try to deal with society's chaos in 2020. The movie shows how divided a town is by discussing topics like Black Lives Matter, conspiracy theories, and the effects of the pandemic.
Everything to know about Eddington
Eddington, directed by Ari Aster, is a contemporary Western film that delves deep into the social and political upheaval of a small town during the summer of 2020. The movie is set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, where conflicts between the mayor and the sheriff over different points of view flare up.
The movie covers important events from that era, including demonstrations, the COVID-19 epidemic, and mounting political polarization. With scenes of confrontations, personal hardships, and an underlying tension that builds throughout the narrative, the recently released trailer captures the chaotic environment of the town.
Viewers can catch flashes of the characters negotiating this high-stakes environment, with Joe Cross struggling with his own ideas as the future of the town hangs in the balance. The trailer's strong visuals, moving soundtrack, and direct commentary on America's situation during the epidemic have already attracted attention.
At the heart of Eddington is the battle for the town’s soul. The trailer illustrates a deep divide among its residents, with Joe Cross fighting to retain control while Mayor Ted Garcia challenges his authority.
The conflict between the two characters symbolizes the broader divisions occurring across the nation. Aster’s direction promises a nuanced look at how politics, social movements, and personal convictions collide in a time of crisis. As the film approaches its release date, the trailer has left audiences intrigued and eager to see how Aster brings this charged story to life.
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Production, direction, and cast
Ari Aster, the filmmaker behind Hereditary and Midsommar, returns with Eddington, a film that promises to be as provocative and unsettling as his previous works.
Aster worked on the Eddington script for years before deciding to adapt it. Aster initially planned to direct this contemporary Western, but he focused on horror films first. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the script was updated to make it timely and relevant.
The film boasts an impressive cast led by Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal.
Other notable cast members include Emma Stone as Louise Cross, Joe's wife, and Austin Butler as Vernon Jefferson Peak. Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Michael Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr. round out the cast.
The movie was filmed in New Mexico, mostly in Albuquerque and Truth or Consequences from March to May 2024. Square Peg and A24 produced the movie, and Bobby Krlic and Daniel Pemberton composed the score.
Read More: "It was simply the circumstance" — When Pedro Pascal made his feelings clear about playing "tough, conflicted outsiders"
Stay tuned for more updates on Eddington and similar projects as the year progresses.
