Overview

• Released July 18 by A24, Eddington has elicited polarized responses to its blend of black comedy and neo-Western conventions
• Critics and audiences remain split over the film’s pacing and tone as it satirizes both liberal and conservative extremes
• Reviewers are dissecting the climactic arrival of masked gunmen as a commentary on political paranoia and performative activism
• Industry observers highlight Ari Aster and Joaquin Phoenix’s evolving collaboration, pointing to a simple on-set gesture that unlocked the lead performance
• Martin Scorsese praised the film’s unflinching look at contemporary America despite its 67 percent critics’ score underscoring a contentious reception