A24 Drops Official Trailer for Pandemic-Inspired Western Thriller ‘Eddington’

Ari Aster, best known for his psychological horror hits Hereditary and Midsommar, takes a bold new direction with Eddington – a modern Western thriller set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico. The film blends dark satire with sharp social commentary, exploring how fear, lies and power struggles tear a small town apart.

The story follows a standoff between the sheriff and the mayor, leading to escalating conflicts. The trailer introduces a “doomscrolling” narrative style, reflecting the endless stream of negative news that defined the pandemic. This style helps viewers connect with the characters’ mental struggles and highlights a toxic habit that still shapes how we consume information today.

The film features a star-studded cast, with Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Cross and Pedro Pascal as Mayor Garcia. Other key cast members include Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Amélie Hoeferle, Clifton Collins Jr. and William Belleau.

Eddington premieres at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and hits US theaters on July 18.