Eddington (Film) Showtimes: Plot, Cast & Reviews

Few films in 2025 have sparked as much debate as Eddington, Ari Aster’s satirical Western set during the tense summer of 2020 in New Mexico, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal and hitting UK cinemas on 22 August 2025, with early reactions sharply divided. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth a trip to the cinema—or just trying to find showtimes near you—here’s a clear-eyed look at the plot, the reception, and where you can catch it.

Release date: 2025 (Picturehouse) ·
Director: Ari Aster (Picturehouse) ·
Lead actor: Joaquin Phoenix (Broadway Cinema)

Five key specs sum up what you need to know about Eddington at a glance.

What is the movie Eddington about?

Ari Aster’s fourth feature is described as a modern Western and paranoid thriller set in the American Southwest during the summer of 2020. The plot centres on the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico (population 2,345), where a standoff unfolds between the conservative sheriff Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) and the progressive mayor Ted (Pedro Pascal). The conflict touches on issues like conspiracy theories, pandemic politics, fake news, gun ownership, and Black Lives Matter, all wrapped in Aster’s signature satirical style.

Plot summary of Eddington

• The setting: Eddington, New Mexico, May 2020 (Picturehouse)
• The inciting tension: the town’s future is in play as sheriff and mayor butt heads over lockdown measures and local governance (Hyde Park Picture House)
• Aster layers elements of the Western genre: a quiet town, a brewing conflict, and a sense of impending showdown (Hyde Park Picture House)

The pattern: The film deliberately leans into period-detail authenticity (2020 masks, news footage) while exaggerating political archetypes. The result is a movie that feels less like escapism and more like a mirror held up to a fractured moment.

Themes and setting in Eddington

• Conspiracy theories and misinformation (Hyde Park Picture House)
• Gun rights and Second Amendment debates (Hyde Park Picture House)
• Racial justice and Black Lives Matter protests (Hyde Park Picture House)

Is the movie Eddington based on a true story?

Eddington is not directly based on a true story. However, it draws heavily on real-world events from 2020, including the pandemic, protests, and political polarisation. The town itself is fictional, but the conflicts it portrays are recognisable to anyone who lived through that year.

Real-world inspirations for the film

• The pandemic backdrop mirrors the actual timeline of Covid‑19 lockdowns (Picturehouse)
• Political clashes between local officials over safety measures echo 2020 news cycles (Hyde Park Picture House)
• The portrayal of conspiracy theories (e.g., fake news, anti‑vax rhetoric) is drawn from observed social discourse (Hyde Park Picture House)

The takeaway: While not a true story in the strict sense, Eddington is clearly a commentary on the forces that divided America—and much of the Western world—during 2020. Its power lies in the specificity of those references.

Is Eddington a good movie?

Critical reception has been polarised. Some outlets describe it as a bold satire; others call it a misfire. Audience reviews on social media have been particularly harsh, with one Instagram user calling it “a big flop” and another labelling it “my most unpleasant movie experience of 2025”. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes score is reportedly low, though no exact percentage has been officially published.

Critical reception of Eddington

• Described by users as a “big flop” (Instagram comment)
• One user called it “my most unpleasant movie experience of 2025” (Instagram comment)
• Box office performance has been weak according to early industry data (Flicks)

The catch: The same qualities that repel some viewers—the relentless sermonising, the lack of a clear hero—are precisely what others find brave. The film is not designed to be universally appealing.

Audience reviews and Rotten Tomatoes score

• Reportedly low Rotten Tomatoes score (not yet officially disclosed) (Flicks)
• IMDb rating not yet available at time of publication (Broadway Cinema)
• MetaCritic score pending (Flicks)

Why this matters: The lack of an aggregate score means early perception is driven mostly by word of mouth and social media. That has worked against Eddington so far, with negative reactions louder than positive ones.

Where can I watch Eddington?

Eddington is currently screening in UK cinemas from 22 August 2025, with showtimes available at major chains and independent venues. It is also available to stream on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store in the UK, according to Flicks.

Eddington showtimes at ODEON Cinemas

• Visit the ODEON Eddington page and select your preferred local venue (ODEON)
• Showtimes vary by location; advance booking recommended

Why this matters: ODEON is one of the largest UK chains, so most towns with an ODEON will have at least one screening daily during the theatrical run.

Eddington showtimes at Picturehouse

• Participating Picturehouse venues (e.g., Stratford East, Ritzy) show Eddington from 22 August (Picturehouse)
• Exclusive collectable film strip offered while stocks last (Picturehouse)

Eddington showtimes at Vue Cinemas

• Use the venue dropdown on the Vue Eddington page to find local screenings (Vue)

Is Eddington available on Netflix?

No, Eddington is not currently available on Netflix. The film is a theatrical release with subsequent digital rental on Amazon Video and Apple TV (Flicks). A Netflix deal has not been announced.

The pattern: The film’s showtime availability is limited to cinemas and digital rental, not streaming.

What is the cast of Eddington?

The lead roles are played by two of the biggest names in Hollywood, supported by a strong ensemble.

• Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe (Broadway Cinema)
• Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted (Broadway Cinema)

Is Eddington worth seeing?

The answer depends heavily on your tolerance for provocation. Eddington is not a comfortable watch—it’s loud, confrontational, and unapologetically didactic. If you appreciate Ari Aster’s willingness to take risks, you may find it compelling. If you prefer subtle storytelling, the film will likely frustrate.

Key specs for quick reference:

Who should watch Eddington?

• Fans of Ari Aster’s previous work who want to see a different side of his filmmaking (Picturehouse)
• Viewers who enjoy political satire with a confrontational edge (Hyde Park Picture House)
• Those curious about the cultural conversation sparked by the film (Instagram user comments)

The implication: If you’re easily offended or prefer subtle storytelling, this is likely not for you. But if you want a film that provokes strong reactions and discussion, Eddington delivers exactly that.

Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

What audiences are saying

“Eddington was a big flop, has Ari Aster lost his touch?”

– User on Instagram

“‘Eddington’ was my most unpleasant movie experience of 2025.”

– User on Instagram

These comments captured on social media reflect a broader sentiment among early viewers: strong negative reactions outnumber positive ones, at least on platforms where users share quick takes.

For viewers in the UK weighing a cinema trip, the decision comes down to appetite for provocation. If you enjoy films that challenge and irritate, Eddington might be exactly what you’re after. If you want a clean, crowd-pleasing escape, book another ticket. The showtimes are there—the question is whether you’re ready for the ride.

Frequently asked questions

Ari Aster’s gamble on Eddington may not pay off for all, but it offers a unique experience for those seeking provocation.