Last night Unlimited members got their lassoes around the latest jaunt from Ari Aster Eddington – a neo-Western starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in a small town sheriff/mayor face-off.
Set during the early days of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, no, it’s not a horror film, though you wouldn’t be wrong for thinking it. In fact, Unlimited members described it as chaotic and utterly nuts, with outstanding performances across the board.
Stemming from a dispute over the enforcement of lockdowns and wearing masks, Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix) decides to run for mayor in the hope of beating Ted Garcia (Pascal) in order to reinstate freedom of choice. Delving into conspiracy theories and cults, the Black Lives Matter movement, Eddington is something of a time capsule of that truly absurd era.
Ari Aster is known for coming up with some pretty rogue ideas that’ll leave you surprised, maybe even a little bit disturbed. But it’s the thrill of the watch, and Unlimited members all seemed to agree you should expect the unexpected.
Very much an Ari Aster movie, enjoyable performances and some moments that I wasn't expecting. It's not going to be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
— Blazing Minds (@BlazingMinds) August 18, 2025
In fact, there’s never a dull moment with Ari Aster – though some viewers thing we might have seen a little too much.
Not sure we were needing a full frontal Phoenix 😂
— Jack (@JackGoodwin) August 18, 2025
Small town dislikes turned to outright gun slinging adrenaline fueled fun... What did we just watch! (and why did we love it?!)
And we’re so here for a father/son post-Unlimited screening debrief, and that’s exactly what went down with Marc and his son.
A very different film to what I was expecting. Spoke with my son as we were both unsure initially what it was trying to say. Felt it's about the behind the scenes of politics and how news can be used as deflection for big business to get what they want.
— Marc Gunn (@MarcGunn) August 19, 2025
If you could just invite this X user to your next debrief, that would be great…
Still a little bit confused by what Aster is trying to do with this film, but I was never bored and it goes fully into chaos in only a way he can do. I think I liked it
— oi (@chazzer63) August 18, 2025
For Pablo, it’s a new favourite!
My top 2 favourite first watches of the year. Loved everything about it
— Pablo⛷️ (@sxintpablo24) August 18, 2025
And Charlie was very here for the incredible performances from the cast.
A different take from director Ari Aster, great build up and outstanding performances!
— Charlie (@crazymadcookie) August 18, 2025
We’d suggest slapping this review on the advert.
Really enjoyed it. It was… how to describe..? - utterly NUTS.
— zelda128 (@linesy21) August 18, 2025
Eddington has got Imran’s vote. The question is, Phoenix or Pascal?
I vote 🗳️ yes 👍 good neo noir western
— Imran Sheikh (@indieimmy) August 18, 2025
Letterboxd were equally as enthralled by this hootin', tootin' good film from Aster. Harv had high praise for Joaquin Phoenix in particular – and clearly wasn't so perturbed by the... ahem... nudity.
And Niall wasn't perturbed (read: completely traumatised) by living through the pandemic himself that he actually enjoyed seeing our recent history play out on the big screen through the lens of Aster.
Siria's review of Eddington could be for the movie... or for the last five years since the pandemic, to be honest.
Not on our 2025 bingo card: Katy Perry making an "appearance" in Eddington.
Want to see it for yourself? Book your Eddington tickets and also make sure you sign up to Unlimited to watch even more movies for less.
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