The following contains spoilers for Eddington
Eddington, a film directed and written by Ari Aster, has ignited discussions on its controversial ending. Set against the chaotic backdrop of 2020, the movie delves into the intricate web of political hypocrisy and destructive impulses. Central to the narrative is Joaquin Phoenix’s Sheriff Joe Cross, a character whose moral compass becomes increasingly compromised as the turmoil unfolds.
The film concludes with Joe emerging victorious in the Mayoral election, hailed as a hero by the public. Yet this triumph is bittersweet—he’s left paralyzed after being stabbed by a masked “extremist,” and heartbroken after his partner Louise departs. Compounding his turmoil, Joe adopts his conspiratorial mother-in-law, Dawn, as his mouthpiece, ultimately betraying his ideals by opening the data center he had fiercely opposed. Fans and critics alike have been silent on the deeper meaning behind this powerful ending, prompting Aster to elucidate the themes during a recent interview with Wired.
“The film is about paranoid people, and by the end, it becomes paranoid. It becomes gripped by their worldview. Depending on your beliefs or your algorithm, that’s where it becomes either satire or a movie about what was really happening… I wanted to give as broad a picture of the environment as I could without being dismissive or condescending. I see all these characters as people who care about the world and know something’s wrong. They’re just seeing it through different, distorted windows.”
Eddington Explores Multiple Perspectives
Ari Aster’s insights regarding the ending of Eddington underscore his ambition to produce a politically charged narrative that transcends traditional partisan divides. Rather than advocating for a singular political viewpoint, Aster’s focus lies in depicting how individuals lose touch with their empathy as they become consumed by their own perceptions and beliefs. Each character’s journey reveals that no single belief can be deemed inherently right or wrong; instead, the methods by which they arrive at these ideologies are what often lead to destruction.
The film’s tension is exacerbated by the disintegration of relationships, a phenomenon magnified by the pervasive influence of the internet. Characters frequently clutch their smartphones, echoing prevalent talking points and fortifying their pre-existing beliefs. In Eddington, everyone is the hero of their own story, a mindset that can come at a devastating cost.
The Artistic Power of Empathy in Eddington
What truly makes Eddington resonate is its multifaceted portrayal of humanity. Every character possesses a depth that escapes the confines of mere villainy. Even those who seem irredeemable reveal echoes of trauma that define their actions. Yet, as they forge their narratives, they remain inadequately shielded by the blind affirmation of their beliefs fueled by algorithms. One striking example involves Brian, a teenager who initially employs liberal rhetoric to impress a girl. Following a pivotal moment, he pivots and embraces a right-wing persona, thus embodying the self-serving motivations that can dictate which beliefs to adopt.
Ari Aster’s reflections elucidate how Eddington effectively critiques the ramifications of an increasingly polarized society. The intertwining of internet culture and personal beliefs shapes each character arc, revealing the nuanced layers of human experience. This film stands not merely as a slice of entertainment, but as a broad commentary on the pervasive influence of social media and the turbulent landscape of interpersonal relationships.
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Runtime: 149 minutes
Source: Wired