Is Eddington Based on a True Story?
Eddington is not directly based on a true story, but its plot is heavily inspired by real-life events and personalities encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Ari Aster drew from his own experiences living in New Mexico during this period, crafting a fictional narrative by observing local sheriffs, mayors, and the palpable political tension of the time. While none of the events or characters in the film are true-to-life, some, such as Joaquin Phoenix’s sheriff, are loosely modeled on actual figures Aster met during his research across different New Mexican towns. Thus, the film is an allegory that captures the spirit and anxieties of the era, rather than a factual retelling of any specific incident.
Does Eddington Have a Post-Credit Scene?
Unlike many recent films, Eddington does not feature a mid-, post-, or end-credits scene. Audiences expecting a final twist or a teaser for a potential sequel will not find one here. The film ends conclusively, fitting its standalone and darkly comedic narrative, with viewers free to leave once the credits roll. This approach aligns with the tradition of A24 productions, which typically avoid post-credit extras, letting the story’s themes linger instead.
Eddington Film Initial Release
Eddington had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025. Following its positive reception at Cannes, the film was released in theaters in the United States by A24 on July 18, 2025. The initial rollout placed the spotlight on the film ahead of potential global releases.
Eddington Australia Release Date
Eddington was screened at the Sydney Film Festival on June 12, 2025, and later at the Revelation Perth International Film Festival on July 5, 2025. These festival showings marked its official debut in Australia ahead of a broader theatrical or streaming release in the country.
Eddington Cast
The ensemble cast assembled for Eddington is highly acclaimed and features:
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Joaquin Phoenix | Joe Cross (Sheriff and mayoral candidate) |
| Pedro Pascal | Ted Garcia (the incumbent mayor) |
| Emma Stone | Louise Cross (Joe’s wife) |
| Austin Butler | Vernon Jefferson Peak (a cult leader) |
| Luke Grimes | Guy (officer at the sheriff’s office) |
| Deirdre O’Connell | Dawn (Louise’s mother) |
| Micheal Ward | Michael (young sheriff’s trainee) |
| Amélie Hoeferle | Sarah (social justice influencer) |
| Clifton Collins Jr. | Lodge (vagrant) |
| William Belleau | Officer Butterfly Jimenez |
| Matt Gomez Hidaka | Eric Garcia (Mayor’s son) |
| Cameron Mann | Brian |
Where to Watch Eddington
As of now, Eddington is available exclusively in movie theaters, with its theatrical release debuting on July 18, 2025. Home viewing options, such as digital streaming or premium video on demand (PVOD), are expected to follow about a month after the theatrical release, consistent with A24’s typical release strategy. For the latest streaming availability, viewers should check major platforms or local showtimes as releases roll out.
Eddington Plot
Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Eddington unravels in a small New Mexican town gripped by political and social turmoil. Sheriff Joe Cross and Mayor Ted Garcia find themselves in an explosive rivalry, catalyzed by public health mandates and political ambition. As the mayor enforces strict pandemic lockdowns, the sheriff opposes these measures, viewing them as violations of personal freedoms. Their conflict intensifies through personal and campaign-related escalations. The story soon descends into violence, conspiracy, and tragedy, exposing the deeper fractures in their community. Characters including Joe’s wife, Louise, and a cast of local residents are drawn into a maelstrom of deceit, protest, and power struggles, ultimately culminating in a fiercely satirical critique of contemporary America’s divisions.
Eddington Filming Location
Eddington was filmed entirely in New Mexico, using its distinctive townscapes and desert landscapes to bring the fictional community vividly to life. Principal filming locations included:
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Albuquerque, New Mexico —Major city scenes and town backdrops.
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Truth or Consequences, New Mexico —Exterior shots, rustic streets, and key desert sequences.
Filming took place from March through May 2024. The unique backdrop of New Mexico added authenticity and atmosphere, underscoring the film’s neo-Western tone.
Image Credits: A24/ YouTube
FAQ
Is Eddington based on real events?
No, Eddington is a fictional story inspired by real-life figures and tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico. Ari Aster used local observations to shape the narrative but did not depict actual events.
Does Eddington have a post-credit scene?
No. The film ends conclusively without a post-credit or mid-credit scene, following A24’s typical style.
When did Eddington release?
It premiered at Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025, and had a U.S. theatrical release on July 18, 2025.
