Ari Aster's 'Eddington' Premieres at Cannes Film Festival Amidst Mixed Reactions

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival featured the premiere of "Eddington," a film directed by Ari Aster, known for his works "Hereditary" and "Midsommar." The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross and Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted Garcia in the fictional New Mexico town of Eddington. Set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, "Eddington" explores themes of societal division and political tension, depicting a standoff between the sheriff and mayor that escalates into community conflict. The ensemble cast includes Emma Stone and Austin Butler. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025, and is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on July 18, 2025. Critics' reactions have been mixed, with some praising its bold commentary on contemporary America, while others find it lacking in coherence. Aster's intention was to reflect on the challenges of living in a world where consensus on reality is increasingly difficult to achieve. The film's reception at Cannes was divided, with some critics hailing it as an eerily accurate portrayal of contemporary America, while others found it to be a tedious and wayward rumination. Aster himself acknowledged the divisiveness of the film, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and re-engagement across ideological divides. "Eddington" is set to be released in U.S. theaters by A24 on July 18, 2025.