Ari Aster’s Pandemic Thriller ‘Eddington’ Drops Chilling Trailer Featuring Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, and More
The master of modern horror, Ari Aster, returns with a new psychological thriller, *Eddington*, and the just-released teaser trailer is already sending chills across the internet. Best known for his work on *Hereditary* and *Midsommar*, Aster’s latest film dives into the chaos of the early COVID-19 pandemic, blending real-world tension with his signature unsettling style. With a powerhouse cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, and Austin Butler, *Eddington* is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
Set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, in May 2020, the film explores a community on the edge. The trailer opens with a rapid montage of news footage and viral social media clips from June 2, 2020, capturing the fear, confusion, and social unrest of the pandemic’s early days. Against this backdrop, Aster introduces viewers to a tightly wound ensemble of characters, each navigating a world unraveling at the seams.
Joaquin Phoenix stars as Sheriff Joe Cross, a conflicted lawman whose authority is tested as the town descends into paranoia and distrust. Emma Stone plays his wife, Louise, whose growing emotional distance mirrors the societal collapse around her. Their strained relationship becomes a key thread in a narrative filled with dread and psychological complexity.
Pedro Pascal joins the cast as Mayor Ted Garcia, a politician torn between duty and self-preservation. Meanwhile, Austin Butler’s role remains a mystery, though the trailer hints at a significant, possibly sinister presence. The tension among these characters is palpable, with Aster’s moody cinematography and eerie score amplifying the unease.
The film’s tagline, “Hindsight is 2020,” cleverly nods to the reflective nature of the story. Aster isn’t just revisiting the pandemic; he’s re-examining the emotional and political fragmentation it exposed. Through *Eddington*, he invites audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about truth, authority, and the fragility of social order.
*Eddington* is a collaboration between A24 and Square Peg, and features a haunting score by Bobby Krlic, who previously worked with Aster on *Midsommar* and *Beau Is Afraid*. The film marks a return to Aster’s New Mexico roots and promises to blend the intimate terror of his earlier work with broader societal themes.
The film will have its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, before hitting theaters nationwide on July 18, 2025. With its timely subject matter, gripping performances, and the chilling vision of Ari Aster at the helm, *Eddington* is already generating serious awards season buzz.
As audiences brace themselves for another deeply unnerving experience, one thing is certain: Ari Aster hasn’t lost his touch when it comes to peering into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
