Eddington - UNCOMFORTABLE on PURPOSE - Angry Movie Review

Quick Overview

The film "Eddington" is an intentionally uncomfortable and bizarre A24 movie that attempts clunky political and social commentary on contemporary issues like COVID-19, masks, and political polarization, ultimately failing to deliver a cohesive message despite some intriguing moments and strong acting from Joaquin Phoenix. Reviewers found the first half tedious and annoying, while the second half offered more action but still fumbled its execution, leading to a mixed-to-negative reception and a likely box office bomb.

Key Points: "Eddington" is an intentionally "uncomfortable movie" that attempts clunky political satire and social commentary on issues like COVID-19, masks, and political polarization. The film's first hour is described as "cringy," "annoying," and tedious, featuring unlikable characters constantly arguing about contemporary social issues. The narrative shifts dramatically in the second half, becoming more action-oriented and surreal after Joaquin Phoenix's character, a sheriff, assassinates the mayor and his son. The movie attempts to cover numerous hot-button topics, including George Floyd, Antifa, AI, and religious cults, but does so through "the dumbest people" and offers "no solutions." Joaquin Phoenix's acting is a highlight, but the film's recurring inclusion of "old person nudity" is criticized as being "weird for weird sake" without serving a clear purpose. The reviewer rates "Eddington" as a 4/10 or 5/10, calling it "below average" and recommending it only for home viewing on streaming services due to its excessive length and lack of cohesive substance. The film is predicted to be a box office bomb, similar to Ari Aster's previous film "Beau is Afraid," and is seen as a departure from his successful horror works like "Hereditary" and "Midsommar."

Context: Ari Aster's latest A24 film, "Eddington," is a dark, satirical western that delves into contemporary American social and political issues. The movie, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, aims to provoke discomfort and comment on topics like the COVID-19 pandemic, mask mandates, political polarization, racial tensions, and conspiracy theories. The review highlights the film's experimental nature and its director's reputation for creating unsettling, layered cinematic experiences, often featuring controversial elements like gratuitous nudity.