The New Yorker Radio Hour: Director Ari Aster Explains His COVID-Era Western “Eddington”

Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Kimberly Adams
Guest: Ari Aster, Director of "Eddington"

Introduction to "Eddington" and Its Themes

In this episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, director Ari Aster delves into his latest film, "Eddington," a contemporary Western set in a fictional Southwestern community grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and rampant conspiracy theories. Aster, known for his intense and anxiety-inducing horror films like Hereditary and Midsommar, takes a bold turn by infusing his signature style with sharp political satire.

Kimberly Adams introduces the film:
"Eddington stars Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, and it's like a hand grenade tossed into the traditional summer movie season. It is unapologetically political, but the satire doesn't spare either side of the aisle."
[03:14]

Satire and Contemporary Relevance

Aster discusses his intention to craft a satirical narrative that mirrors the current societal climate. He emphasizes the difficulty of addressing present events in filmmaking, noting,
"It's hard to make a film about COVID because we haven't metabolized any of that. We're still living through it."
[03:59]
He chose satire as a vehicle to explore the fragmented perceptions of reality in today's polarized environment, aiming to keep his stance understated until the film's conclusion.

Origins and Development of the Script

Aster reveals that the foundation of "Eddington" dates back to an earlier script written before his breakout success. However, the events of 2020 reignited his interest, leading him to rework the story amidst the heightened tensions of the pandemic and social unrest.
"I was writing it in a state of anxiety and dread, which I think is the prevailing mood of not just the moment, but for like the last 10 years."
[06:03]

Influences and Comparisons to Other Films

Drawing parallels to iconic films, Aster cites Robert Altman's Nashville and Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing as inspirations for their ensemble casts and portrayal of societal tensions.
"Do the Right Thing is just one of the great works of art... we're all kind of struggling on the wrong end of puppet strings."
[07:57]
He appreciates how these films encapsulate the chaos and complexity of American society, serving as a blueprint for his own storytelling approach in "Eddington."

Exploring Conspiracy Theory Culture

Aster addresses the proliferation of conspiracy theories in contemporary discourse, linking it to the film's themes.
"I feel like Eddington is a film about a bunch of people who really care about the world. They all know that something's wrong. They just... nobody can agree on what that thing is."
[10:34]
He expresses concern over the mainstream acceptance of extremist ideologies and the erosion of shared reality, which he portrays through his characters' conflicting beliefs and mistrust.

Setting the Story in the Southwest

Choosing the Southwest, particularly New Mexico, as the backdrop, Aster leverages his personal connection to the region to infuse authenticity into the narrative.
"New Mexico is already a really interesting microcosm for the country. It's a blue state, but most of the small towns are red."
[19:55]
He highlights the state's cultural diversity and underlying racial tensions, making it an ideal setting to explore the film's multifaceted conflicts.

Collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix

Aster speaks highly of his working relationship with Joaquin Phoenix, who reprises his role as Sheriff Joe Cross from their previous collaboration in Beau Is Afraid.
"Joaquin and I both are very neurotic, and we are serious about what we're doing. He really likes to talk through things a lot, which is useful for going over the script."
[21:01]
Their collaborative dynamic allows for deep character development and ensures that Phoenix's portrayal remains nuanced and authentic.

Anticipating Audience Reception

Addressing the film's potential to polarize audiences, Aster acknowledges the current climate's sensitivity but remains steadfast in his creative vision.
"The film is about polarization and the reception has been polarized, but that feels natural to me."
[24:30]
He hopes that "Eddington" will foster a sense of shared experience and solidarity among viewers, despite differing perspectives.

Reflections on Society and Art

Aster concludes by expressing his desire for art to confront and process contemporary issues.
"If anything, I just made the movie that I kind of wanted to see. We're living in that atmosphere... our neighbor is not our real enemy."
[25:19]
He envisions "Eddington" as both a reflection and a commentary on the societal fractures exacerbated by recent events, aiming to provoke thought and dialogue among audiences.

Notable Quotes

• Ari Aster at [03:59]: "It's hard to make a film about COVID because we haven't metabolized any of that. We're still living through it."

• Ari Aster at [06:03]: "I was writing it in a state of anxiety and dread, which I think is the prevailing mood of not just the moment, but for like the last 10 years."

• Ari Aster at [10:34]: "Eddington is a film about a bunch of people who really care about the world. They all know that something's wrong. They just... nobody can agree on what that thing is."

• Ari Aster at [24:30]: "The film is about polarization and the reception has been polarized, but that feels natural to me."

• Ari Aster at [25:19]: "We're living in that atmosphere... our neighbor is not our real enemy."

Conclusion

Ari Aster's "Eddington" emerges as a bold cinematic endeavor that seeks to encapsulate the tumultuous spirit of the early 2020s. Through its satirical lens and ensemble cast, the film challenges viewers to confront the pervasive anxiety, conspiracy theories, and deep-seated polarizations that define the current American landscape. Aster's thoughtful exploration of these themes, combined with his collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix, positions "Eddington" as a significant cultural artifact reflective of its time.