Welcome to small town, Covid – America, at the beginning of the pandemic. Ari Aster’s new film Eddington delivers a dark look at the absurdity on both sides of the chaos surrounding the divisive stances people took.

Part Western, part horror, with bits of comedy throughout, this movie makes a statement with a strong cast. Joaquin Phoenix gives an award-winning performance as the anti-mask wearing town sheriff. His feud with the liberal mayor, played by Pedro Pascal, is rich with personal and political undertones. Emma Stone’s distraught character sheds light on those who were hurting privately during that isolated time. Meanwhile. the charming, and easy to look at, Austin Butler is the perfect grifter/ savior.

Character actress Deidre O’Connell surprises the audience with a standout performance as the conspiracy driven mother-in-law.

While intriguing in scope, the film drags at times. As soon as you think it will wrap up, another twist or turn happens. It gets dark, gory and even more absurd. Without giving away any spoilers, fasten your seatbelt for a what just happened ending that you won’t see coming.

If you are an Aster fan, you will definitely want to see Eddington. If you like quirky, bizarre, slow-paced films with massive talent, it’ll be up your alley. However, if the trauma of covid hits too close to home, you will want to skip this one.

Overall, we give it 3 stars out of 5.

Looking for more movie recs? Check out our reviews of Superman and F1.