
Eddington Is a Nightmare... And We're Split | Ari Aster Review
Is Eddington supposed to be enjoyable? Because Josh and Jered have different answers. This week on Screen Time Film, we're discussing Eddington (2025), written and directed by Ari Aster and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. Set during the early months of the pandemic, Eddington follows a small-town sheriff and mayor whose growing conflict sends their community spiraling into political tension, conspiracies, and violence. Josh understands the film's intentions but finds its characters and escalating chaos difficult to enjoy. Jered appreciates the unsettling experience, particularly how the movie captures the uncertainty and social division of 2020. We discuss the performances, cinematography, pacing, and the increasingly bizarre events of the story. We also explore the film's commentary on manipulation, social media, and the surprising relevance of its data center subplot. Does Eddington successfully capture the absurdity of modern society? Or does its uncomfortable approach work against it? SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains full spoilers for Eddington, including the ending and major character deaths. WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION: [ADD DIRECT YOUTUBE EPISODE LINK] QUESTIONS & LISTENER FEEDBACK: feedback@screentimepod.com Follow Screen Time on your favorite podcast app for more TV and movie discussions. SUPPORTED BY CONNECT FILMS: Stories with Purpose. https://connectfilms.com FOLLOW THE SHOW: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screen_time_pod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@screen_time_pod HOSTS: Jered Youngbar: https://www.instagram.com/jeredyoungbar/ Josh Youngbar: https://www.instagram.com/jyoungbar/ TIMESTAMPS / SEGMENTS: (00:00) Cold Open & Introductions (01:28) Eddington: Cast, Crew & Budget (03:24) First Reactions: Josh vs. Jered (08:46) 2020 Time Capsule & Data Centers (11:23) Eddington Story Breakdown (13:27) Sheriff Joe vs. Mayor Ted (15:25) The Mayoral Campaign (18:06) Conspiracies & Austin Butler (22:00) The Political Feud Escalates (25:15) The Turn to Violence (27:56) The Masked Attackers (30:39) A Viral Hero Is Made (32:39) The Data Center Ending (35:07) Sponsor: Connect Films (35:51) Cinematography & Visual Style (39:42) Unusual Camera Movements (41:22) Editing & Pacing (43:22) Music & Score (45:11) Eddington's Bigger Message (47:40) Media Manipulation (49:50) Final Thoughts (51:30) Wrap-Up & Next Film NEXT EPISODE: Drive-Away Dolls!