“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” Cesar Cruz. And Ari Aster is going all out in that philosophy in this film. A film that already has people divided in its responses. So far in every inch of his film Aster provides no relaxation or comfort, even if his characters are seeking them. A slow rise of escalation seems to always pay off in his films. I would signify his films as a great “unease” that will never be completely ironed out, nor resolved with his characters and crucially his audience. Ari is unique in that he feels that  there is a veil thin line that borders every difference. Here Ari is showing that there is a very thin line to maintain a societal order and it takes very little to move to chaos. In Eddington, which could be one of the best films of the year, and one of the best films of his, Ari is showing that a tiff between two selfish people in power can lead to an explosion of catastrophes.  A small town that has already experienced economic collapse can improve its condition but not by wholesome ways. 

With his signature camera work and lens Aster leads an outstanding ensemble cast to wide scale scope of a town struggling during the early stages of the covid- lockdown. Aster has placed on all the familiar talking points, misinformation, anxiety, and confusion that was experienced and shows us that at times it felt like we were in a horror movie.  that was spewed out on-line during the time. He very keenly shows us the division among ourselves. The lead character we mostly follow is worn out Sheriff Joe Cross looking for a way to add purpose to his life, so far everything he has done has been in the shadows of others. Aster shows us that he might not even want to be the sheriff, he desires that his viewpoint gets respect, and will break all policies and rules to get it. What could agitate people most in this film is not the showing of viral culture, the black lives matter campaigns, the riots and protest, and antifa is that there isn’t a hero in this, none. No one to really root for and that is of course intentional. But to add to that, the villainy is so underplayed that it feels the films want to project it as almost warranted. 

What could also agitate people is the exploitation of many marginalized characters in this. There is also the cliche of the lead female character played by Emma Stone that is so mentally unhealthy from trauma it rings of the classic female exploitation of a Hitchcock film. Technically this film is great. The sound mixing, the editing and cinematography, and acting is outstanding. I won’t be surprised if Joaquin Phoenix gets an oscar nomination for this, and some other technical accolades are to follow. It is a masterfully done film, it just isn’t meant to make you feel cozy nor have closure.