Eddington (2025) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Eddington” (2025), the latest mind-bending creation from acclaimed director Ari Aster, throws audiences headfirst into the chaotic socio-political landscape of 2020 America. Known for “Hereditary,” “Midsommar,” and the polarizing “Beau is Afraid,” Aster once again delivers a disturbing, genre-defying vision—this time under the guise of a contemporary Western with deep satirical roots.
Set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, this film offers a darkly comedic yet unsettling exploration of America during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone at the center of the chaos, “Eddington” is provocative, polarizing, and guaranteed to generate conversation.
Plot Overview: Chaos in a Small Town
In May 2020, as the world begins to grapple with the pandemic, a standoff between Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) ignites a bitter cultural civil war in a town already teetering on collapse. Conspiracies, misinformation, and pandemic-fueled panic blur the lines between right and wrong, reality and delusion.
Cross, a deeply flawed yet sympathetic lawman, becomes a local hero for anti-maskers and skeptics, while Garcia—haunted by past mistakes—tries to maintain order amidst the growing unrest. Meanwhile, Louise (Emma Stone), Joe’s wife, is slowly drawn into the orbit of a spiritual conman (Austin Butler) who amplifies the madness with pseudo-scientific sermons.
The film doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc. Instead, it unfolds like a descent into madness—fractured timelines, feverish editing, and moments of brutal violence punctuate a satire so sharp it sometimes cuts too deep.
Performances: Phoenix Unleashed
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a powerhouse performance as Joe Cross, capturing a man unraveling in real time. His portrayal swings from deeply human to unhinged paranoia, anchoring the film in uncomfortable emotional truth.
Pascal, while more subdued, provides a needed counterbalance, though his character could have been further developed. Austin Butler nearly steals the show in limited screen time, embodying the bizarre allure of COVID-era grifters. Stone and Deirdre O’Connell offer supporting turns that mirror the generational fears driving the film’s themes.
Themes & Tone: Aster’s Political Mirror
“Eddington” is not a political endorsement. It’s a diagnosis. Aster weaponizes satire to portray a town—and a country—coming apart at the seams. COVID denial, social media-fueled conspiracies, and the psychological strain of isolation are all explored with grim absurdity.
It’s a challenging watch. Aster deliberately resists comforting resolutions. There’s no tidy moral takeaway, no clear heroes. Instead, viewers are left to grapple with their discomfort. The film ends not with a bang, but with a whimper—an acknowledgment that the worst already happened, and we’re still processing it.
If “Beau is Afraid” was Aster’s descent into the subconscious, “Eddington” is a reflection of our very real, very broken world.
Visuals & Direction: Uncomfortable Brilliance
Working with cinematographer Darius Khondji (“Uncut Gems”), Aster creates a visual tone that blends rustic Western aesthetics with modern dread. Screens are ever-present, reminding us of our terminally online culture. The editing by Lucian Johnston keeps a long film (nearly three hours) feeling frenetic, almost breathless.
Despite moments that feel intentionally incoherent or overstated, the craft is meticulous. Aster uses chaos as a medium and dares you to look away.
Criticism: Messy by Design
Some critics have found the film pretentious, overlong, or even irresponsible—especially in how it touches on racial politics and real-world trauma like the George Floyd protests. Others laud it as one of the first films to accurately capture the mental and emotional collapse of the pandemic era.
Ultimately, “Eddington” is divisive by design. It holds a cracked mirror to our recent history and forces us to sit with the discomfort.
Where to Watch Eddington Online
As of the time of writing (July 2025), “Eddington” is not yet available to stream or rent online.
However, based on A24’s past distribution strategy, here’s what we predict:
- Streaming (Expected Soon):
- Max or Paramount+ with Showtime are strong contenders due to recent A24 deals.
- Apple TV+ has also collaborated with A24 in the past.
- Digital Rental/Purchase (Likely in Coming Months):
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube Movies
- Vudu
We recommend monitoring JustWatch for updates on availability: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/eddington
For official updates, visit the film’s official page: https://a24films.com/films/eddington
Final Verdict: A Necessary Provocation
“Eddington” is not for everyone. It’s overlong, uncomfortable, and intentionally chaotic. But it’s also one of the most daring and unfiltered American films in recent memory. Ari Aster has crafted a movie that doesn’t ask you to agree—it demands that you confront.
Whether you find it brilliant, frustrating, or both, it’s impossible to ignore.
Stay tuned for streaming updates and availability on digital platforms by bookmarking JustWatch. If you’re a fan of films that challenge norms and spark debate, keep “Eddington” on your radar. Don’t miss one of the most talked-about films of 2025.
Have you seen Eddington in theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments—or scream into the void. Either works.
