Ari Aster’s Eddington is an absorbing blend of political tension and nerve-wracking action, grounded in a setting that hits uncomfortably close to home. Set in 2020, the film dives into a small-town power struggle between Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

The first half is an effective slow-burn drama, introducing a slate of complex characters navigating fear, politics, and personal agendas. Phoenix commands the screen as the stubborn sheriff refusing to wear a mask, clashing with Pedro Pascal’s charismatic mayor — their rivalry simmering until it boils over. Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, and Micheal Ward round out a solid supporting cast, each adding depth to Eddington’s fragile world.

Just when you’re immersed in small-town drama, the story pivots into an intense action thriller. This shift shouldn’t work, but because Aster takes the time to make us care, the chaos hits hard. The tension is amplified by Darius Khondji’s striking cinematography and a haunting score from Daniel Pemberton and Bobby Krlic.

It may not top Hereditary, but Eddington feels tighter and more accessible than Midsommar. It’s unsettling, timely, and worth seeing if you’re ready to relive a recent chapter of history through a dark, enthralling lens.