Ari Aster’s “Eddington” Film Reviews: A True But Underwhelming Neo-Western
According to cinemadrame news agency, Ari Aster’s film “Eddington” received mixed reviews after its screening in the competition section of the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes score currently stands at 64% based on 11 reviews.
The story of “Eddington” is set in New Mexico during the initial months of the pandemic. It follows a sheriff named Joe Cross, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and a mayor named Ted Garcia, played by Pedro Pascal, who are at odds. The sheriff decides to run for mayor after a tense confrontation in a store over mask-wearing. Other cast members include Austin Butler, Emma Stone, William Belleau, Luke Grimes, Michael Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr.
Collider writes: “For Ari Aster, ‘Eddington‘ might be a step backward in terms of shocking visuals and his talent for nightmarish scene experiences. However, contrary to belief, Aster can remove these nightmares and show what they truly signify in reality.”
IndieWire’s critic writes: “Aster’s fourth feature film is less effective as a fright within the system, but it shows with day-by-day clarity how the digital future has deprived humans of the ability to discern their own truths.”
World of Reel writes: “Aster tries to say everything, but sometimes doesn’t say enough about anything. This ambition is commendable, but its execution is overdone.” Another part of this review states that “Eddington” changes halfway through, turning comedy into tragedy: “The satire turns into a neo-western, a political thriller, and finally, a work close to the horror genre.”
BBC writes: “This film might have been better if it were more focused and shorter, but Aster’s crazed artistic vision often makes most directors seem cautious in comparison.”
The Standard wrote: “All these ingredients are sprinkled throughout this film, but Aster doesn’t follow a measured formula in either subject or pace. The result is a hodgepodge of drawn-out, tedious moments and utter chaos.”
The Times writes: “The film seems hesitant in what it wants to say, and perhaps even its main subject. Aster focuses on the oddities and signs of the pandemic but abandons the main work, namely the drama and character development.”
