Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chaos Unleashed: Eddington Explores Power Struggle Amid Pandemic

7/19/2025

44 4

Summary

Story summary

In Ari Aster's gripping new film, *Eddington*, the 2020 pandemic ignites a fierce power struggle in a fictional New Mexico town. Joaquin Phoenix's Sheriff Joe Cross faces off against Pedro Pascal's Mayor Ted Garcia, as the film cleverly critiques social media's distortion of reality. With dark humor and chaos, *Eddington* hits theaters on July 18.

History

Historical Context

The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic caused widespread social unrest and distrust in government, paralleling themes in the 2025 film *Eddington*, which depicts a mayoral power struggle during a pandemic. As local authorities struggled to manage public health, similar challenges of leadership and misinformation emerged, highlighting ongoing societal issues during crises and the importance of effective governance.

1 of 2

Story summary

In Ari Aster's gripping new film, *Eddington*, the 2020 pandemic ignites a fierce power struggle in a fictional New Mexico town. Joaquin Phoenix's Sheriff Joe Cross faces off against Pedro Pascal's Mayor Ted Garcia, as the film cleverly critiques social media's distortion of reality. With dark humor and chaos, *Eddington* hits theaters on July 18.

1 / 2