The 78th Cannes Film Festival, held from May 13 to 24, 2025, witnessed a dazzling premiere for Eddington, the latest cinematic venture from acclaimed director Ari Aster. This contemporary Western, set against the tumultuous backdrop of May 2020, made waves with its star-studded cast and provocative narrative, earning a five-minute standing ovation at the Palais des Festivals. Featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, Eddington marks Aster's first foray into the prestigious festival's competition section, vying for the coveted Palme d'Or.
A Stellar Cast Lights Up the Croisette
The red carpet for Eddington was nothing short of spectacular,
drawing A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, and Rooney Mara
alongside the film's ensemble. Joaquin Phoenix, who plays the defiant
small-town sheriff Joe Cross, arrived in a classic tuxedo, visibly moved by the
audience's passionate response, with reports noting his emotional tears during
the ovation. Pedro Pascal, embodying the town's mayor, Ted Garcia, turned heads
in an all-black ensemble, complete with a mustache and dark sunglasses. Emmaa Stonewas stunned in a striking white dress with a dramatic collar. Austin
Butler, Luke Grimes, Clifton Collins Jr., and Michael Ward rounded out the
ensemble, adding to the premiere's electric atmosphere.
A Neo-Western with a Pandemic Twist
Set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, during the height of
the COVID-19 pandemic, the film explores a tense standoff between Sheriff Joe
Cross (Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pascal). According to A24's synopsis,
their rivalry—fueled by personal and political differences—ignites a powder
keg, pitting neighbor against neighbor in a community fractured by the era's
social unrest, including the Black Lives Matter protests following George
Floyd's murder. Aster's narrative blends elements of a Western thriller with
dark comedy, offering a satirical lens on America's collective unraveling
during 2020.
Critics have described Eddington as a bold, if polarizing,
commentary on the pandemic era's paranoia, conspiracy theories, and societal
divides. The film's refusal to avoid controversial topics, such as
mask-wearing debates and the politicization of protests, has sparked varied
reactions. While some praised its unflinching portrayal of a nation in chaos,
others found its satirical approach muddled or overly provocative. A review
from Collider lauded Phoenix's performance as "one of the best of his
career," highlighting his depiction of a sheriff embodying America's flaws. At the same time, Screen Daily noted the film's struggle to cohesively address its
ambitious themes.
Ari Aster's Cannes Debut
Known for his genre-defining horror films Hereditary and Midsommar and the surreal Beau Is Afraid, Ari Aster brings his signature audacity
to Eddington. This marks his first time presenting a film at Cannes, a
significant milestone for the director often hailed as a modern master of
horror. At the premiere, Aster expressed humility and gratitude, saying, "I
feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true." His
self-deprecating humor shone through as he added, "I don't know what you think.
Sorry, I guess?"—a nod to the film's reception.
The film, composed by Bobby Krlic and Daniel Pemberton, amplifies
its anxiety-inducing tone, complementing Aster's portrayal of a world teetering on
the edge. Filmed in Albuquerque and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, from
March to May 2024, Eddington is produced by A24 and Square Peg, with a
U.S. theatrical release slated for July 18, 2025.
Mixed Reception and Festival Buzz
While Eddington garnered a nearly seven-minute ovation in some
reports, his reception was not universally glowing. The Hollywood Reporter
described the response as "somewhat muted," with some audience members leaving
during the credits, particularly from the balcony section. Reviews reflect a
split: Variety praised Aster's" audacious" approach, while Showbiz411
quipped that the film's 6film's ten Tomatoes score and unclear narrative might
not signal an Oscar breakthrough. Despite this, the film's provocative nature
ensures it will fuel discussions, with its exploration of COVID-era tensions,
fake news, and societal fractures resonating with some and alienating others.
Why Eddington Matters
Eddington stands out as a cinematic time capsule, capturing the raw, chaotic
energy of 2020 through a Western lens. Its ensemble cast, led by Phoenix's portrayal and Pascal's major, delivers performances that
elevate Aster's vision, if messy. As Cannes 2025 unfolds, Eddington
remains a hot topic, blending star power with a daring narrative that
challenges audiences to confront a not-so-distant past. Whether it secures the
Palme d'Or or d'Or Aster's work is poised to leave a lasting impression
when it hits theaters this summer.
Check out Varieties for more on Eddington and its Cannes journey.