A24 Reveals First Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Eddington’: How Ari Aster’s Dark Western Came to Life

Ari Aster’s latest film, Eddington, a dark neo-Western comedy, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025, and is gearing up for a U.S. theatrical release on July 18 via A24. Set in a fictional New Mexico town during the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler.

The story centers on Sheriff Joe Cross, played by Phoenix, and Mayor Ted Garcia, portrayed by Pascal, whose re-election campaign fuels a tense standoff in May 2020. Emma Stone stars as Louise, Joe’s wife, while Butler plays Vernon Jefferson Peak, a cryptic figure with unclear motives.

Their conflict spirals, turning neighbors against each other and plunging the town into chaos.

Aster, known for Hereditary and Midsommar, had the idea for Eddington years ago but shelved it to make his earlier films. He later reworked the script to reflect the pandemic setting. Filming began in March 2024 in New Mexico locations like Albuquerque and Truth or Consequences, wrapping in May. Aster scouted sites with Phoenix in 2023 to nail the atmosphere.

Produced by Aster’s Square Peg and A24, the film features a score by Bobby Krlic, who collaborated with Aster on Midsommar, and Daniel Pemberton. The story explores small-town politics, paranoia, and personal breakdowns amid a public health crisis, according to A24 and Cannes program notes.

Critics at Cannes had mixed reactions. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 67% approval rating from 51 reviews, while Metacritic scores it 64 out of 100, indicating generally positive but not overwhelming praise. The film also screened at the Sydney Film Festival on June 12 and will kick off the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 17.

Eddington promises to be a bold, divisive addition to Aster’s catalog, blending dark humor with timely themes.

Eddington sounds like a daring mix of dark comedy and social commentary, and with Aster’s track record, it’s bound to spark conversation. The cast alone makes it a must-see, but the mixed reviews suggest it might not click for everyone.

I’m intrigued by how it tackles pandemic-era tensions—something we all lived through. What do you think about Aster’s new film? Are you excited for this neo-Western or skeptical about the hype? Share your thoughts in the comments below!