Although the golden age of the western seems to be behind us, the genre continues to produce films, albeit with less frequency and budget. On September 12, Spanish cinemas will receive Eddington, a title that has generated considerable anticipation since its release in the U.S. on July 18.
A movie with a fantasy cast
Directed by Ari Aster, known for his work on Hereditary and Beau is Afraid, Eddington combines elements of western with thriller, black comedy, and suspense, in a pandemic context. The film features a stellar cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, promising an appealing cinematic proposal for film enthusiasts.
The story is set in May 2020 and follows a couple trapped in the small town that shares the film’s name. Although everything seems to be going well at first, the rivalry between Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix) and Mayor Ted García (Pascal) complicates the situation, leading to a tale that is not what it seems. The film was presented at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, receiving mostly positive reviews, although it is noted that it is not a proposal for all tastes, which could attract those looking for something different on the big screen.
The scarce presence of the western in Hollywood, combined with lower budgets and the reluctance to invest in the genre, makes Eddington a remarkable case in today’s cinema. The blend of genres and Aster’s original approach challenge the conventions of traditional westerns, while also offering a contemporary narrative that reflects the reality of the pandemic. This makes it one of the most anticipated films of the year, hoping to attract both genre enthusiasts and the director’s followers.
