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Eddington struggles with emotional depth

Ari Aster's film aims to reflect 2020's chaos but lacks genuine insight.

July 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM

The problem(s) with Ari Aster's 'Eddington'

Ari Aster's latest film seeks to reflect 2020's chaos but lacks emotional depth.

Ari Aster's Eddington fails to deliver depth

Ari Aster's film Eddington presents a story set in May 2020, capturing the tense atmosphere of the pandemic and social unrest. Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal portray a sheriff and mayor in conflict within a small New Mexico town. The film echoes real-life events, from COVID-19 conspiracies to protests against police brutality following George Floyd's murder. However, while it successfully recreates the chaos of that year, critics note it struggles to go deeper than surface-level commentary. The character of Michael, the film's only Black police officer, is criticized for being one-dimensional and lacking emotional depth, reducing him to a symbolic role rather than a fully developed character.

Key Takeaways

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The film reflects the chaos of 2020 but lacks emotional depth.

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Michael, the only Black character, is underdeveloped and symbolic.

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The film parallels real events but doesn't delve into personal experiences.

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Critics compare it unfavorably to Jordan Peele's work.

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Aster's style prioritizes surface-level chaos over genuine commentary.

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The portrayal of protests may come across as performative rather than impactful.

"Eddington is the kind of movie that thinks it's doing what Get Out does."

This quote highlights the film's ambition to tackle serious themes like Get Out but reveals its shortcomings.

"The problem with Eddington is that it exists as a cynical simulacrum."

This critique addresses the film's lack of emotional depth and over-reliance on reproducing chaos.

Eddington raises important themes around race and social justice but ultimately falls short in its execution. Critics argue that Aster aims for depth by reproducing the outward chaos of 2020 without exploring character motivations or emotional complexities. Unlike Jordan Peele's Get Out, which deftly blends documentary with narrative, Eddington seems stuck in a loop of reenactment. This may alienate viewers who seek genuine insight rather than a hollow reflection of the past. The film's approach risks trivializing significant issues by treating them as mere plot devices rather than serious topics of concern.