In Ari Aster’s Eddington, simmering political, ideological, and racial tensions erupt into a brutal and often challenging piece of social commentary. Yep, it’s another bold and uncompromising vision from Aster. And like his last outing, Beau Is Afraid, this won’t be for everyone. It's a dense, thematically rich tale, laced with biting dark humor and designed to keep viewers off balance. The narrative constantly shifts, making it difficult to predict where it’s headed, while forcing you to question—and often reconsider—your stance on its morally complex characters. There are no clear heroes or villains here, just shades of gray. That makes it especially fitting given its 2020 backdrop: the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. Aster uses this highly charged period to explore how societal chaos seeps into personal lives, pushing people to their limits. By the film’s explosive, neo-Western-style climax, things descend into full-blown mayhem—but it’s all earned. Anchoring it is a powerhouse performance from Joaquin Phoenix, who brings depth, conflict, and gravitas to his role as a sheriff caught in the crossfire. Yep, Eddington is messy, thought-provoking, and at times overwhelming—but it’s a ride worth taking, if you’re willing to go the distance.