‘Eddington’ trailer: Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal face off in Ari Aster’s COVID-era western

Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in a still from’ Eddington’
| Photo Credit: A24

A24 has released the first full trailer for Eddington, the latest film from director Ari Aster, featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in leading roles. Set during the summer of 2020, the film explores political and social tensions in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd.

Phoenix stars as Sheriff Joe Cross, a local law enforcement officer who challenges incumbent Mayor Ted Garcia, played by Pascal, in a contentious mayoral race. The trailer presents a sharp divide between the two characters as the town becomes a microcosm of the broader unrest unfolding across the United States at the time. Images of social distancing, protests, and conspiracy theories appear alongside scenes of escalating violence and political division.

According to the trailer, the story centers on the growing conflict between Cross and Garcia and how it threatens to destabilise the town’s 2,345 residents.

The cast also includes Austin Butler, Emma Stone, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Amélie Hoeferle, Clifton Collins Jr., and William Belleau.

Eddington is Aster’s fourth feature following Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019), and Beau Is Afraid (2023). Unlike his earlier work in horror, this film marks a shift into political drama with Western influences.

The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it screened in the main competition section. Initial reactions were mixed, with some critics praising its ambition.

At a press conference during Cannes, Pascal addressed questions about the film’s political content. “Fear is the way that they win,” he said. “Keep telling the stories, keep expressing yourself and keep fighting to be who you are. … F**k the people that try to make you scared, you know? And fight back.”

Eddington is scheduled for theatrical release on July 18.