"Joaquin Phoenix receives prolonged standing ovation, spanning five minutes, during his 'Eddington' premiere at the Cannes Film Festival"
Let's Dive into Ari Aster's Latest Masterpiece, Eddington
Prepare to be enthralled! Ari Aster's newest cinematic gem, Eddington, left quite an impression at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, courtesy of a lengthy standing ovation and, well, a smattering of early bolt-runners.
This modern-day Western is set during the tumultuous early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and boasts an A-list cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, and more.
Yet, despite the star-studded lineup and Aster's trademark knack for crafting unsettling tales, it seems not everyone was fully aboard for this pandemic-era showdown. In the theater's upper echelons, at least 20 audience members whispered their hasty goodbyes during the screening, and a handful more made a rather swift exit as the end credits reared their heads.
Nonetheless, for many spectators in the house, Aster's latest offering struck a chord, evoking sustained applause. The director, gracing the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, handled the recognition with his usual endearing awkwardness, quipping:
Followed by a toothy grin, he added with gratitude, "I feel incredibly privileged to be here. This is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having me."
Eddington transports us to the turbulent town of Eddington, New Mexico, in May 2020, a powder keg teetering on the brink of explosion. Here, a tension-filled confrontation between the county sheriff, played by Phoenix, and the mayor, portrayed by Pascal (who's jockeying for reelection), ignites a wave of volatility.
As suggested by the film's synopsis, this pivotal moment threatens to shatter the delicate harmony among neighbors, all under the looming specter of a global pandemic. In tow for the ride are Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr.
Following the success of his 2023 head-scratcher Beau Is Afraid (which incidentally featured Phoenix), Eddington is Aster's second venture. The motion picture is slated for a July 18, 2025 release by A24[1][2].
Enrichment Data:
Eddington is a contemporary Western directed by Ari Aster, set in the fictional city of Eddington, New Mexico, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The story revolves around the town's social and political strife, with a central conflict between the sheriff, Joseph Cross (played by Joaquin Phoenix), and the mayor, Ted Garcia (played by Pedro Pascal). This struggle leads to a rift among the town's residents.
Joseph's wife, Louise Cross (played by Emma Stone), is a woman who makes eerie dolls and is emotionally fragile due to past trauma. Her mother, Dawn (played by Deirdre O'Connell), lives with them and contributes to the family turmoil with her conspiracy theories. The film examines themes of societal unrest and the fissures that emerge during periods of crisis, particularly in relation to the pandemic and its broader implications.
Eddington features a diverse cast, with Austin Butler starring as Vernon Jefferson Peak, Luke Grimes as Guy, and Micheal Ward as Michael, a young sheriff's trainee. The film conveyed the chaos and division among residents during the pandemic, interwoven with personal struggles and political maneuvers for power.
[1] https://variety.com/2025/film/news/ari-aster-eddington-cannes-film-festival-1235339813/[2] https://www.indiewire.com/2025/05/ari-aster-eddington-cannes-film-festival-1235286096/
The world premiere of Ari Aster's newest film, Eddington, took place at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025, showcasing it as a contender in the world of movies-and-tv and entertainment.
As the story unfolds, set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, and other notable cast members drawing attention to Eddington, a town in New Mexico, in full turmoil.
