The first look at Joaquin Phoenix in director Ari Aster&rsquo;s upcoming film Eddington has been released. The film marks their second collaboration after 2023&rsquo;s surrealist comedy Beau Is Afraid, which earned Phoenix a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
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First look at Joaquin Phoenix in Ari Aster&rsquo;s &ldquo;Eddington&rdquo;<a href="https://t.co/zzOmvs0GZp">https://t.co/zzOmvs0GZp</a> <a href="https://t.co/jITpaKLBF2">pic.twitter.com/jITpaKLBF2</a>
&mdash; Reel Updates (@worldofreel) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldofreel/status/1896713905566814369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<h2>A dark comedy set during the pandemic</h2>
Produced by Square Peg and A24, Eddington is a black comedy set during the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows a couple stranded in a small town, where Phoenix plays the town sheriff running for mayor.
Ari Aster first announced the project during the promotional tour for Beau Is Afraid. Filming began in March 2024 and wrapped up in May.
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<h2>Star-studded cast</h2>
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O&rsquo;Connell, Michael Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr.
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<h2>Joaquin Phoenix&rsquo;s recent work</h2>
Phoenix&rsquo;s last film was Joker: Folie &agrave; Deux, the sequel to Todd Phillips&rsquo;s critically and commercially successful Joker (2019). He reprised his role as the iconic comic book villain. However, the sequel was a critical and commercial disappointment, grossing $210 million against a $200 million budget.
The film received seven Golden Raspberry Award nominations in 2025, including Worst Picture, and won for Worst Remake, Rip-off or Sequel, as well as Worst Screen Combo. &nbsp; Eddington does not have an official release date, but is expected to hit the big screen in 2025.
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The first look at Joaquin Phoenix from director Ari Aster’s upcoming western Eddington is here. The movie is a black comedy about a small-town sheriff.

The first look at Joaquin Phoenix in director Ari Aster’s upcoming film Eddington has been released. The film marks their second collaboration after 2023’s surrealist comedy Beau Is Afraid, which earned Phoenix a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. First look at Joaquin Phoenix in Ari Aster’s “Eddington”https://t.co/zzOmvs0GZp pic.twitter.com/jITpaKLBF2 — Reel Updates (@worldofreel) March 4, 2025 Also Read: Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday's leaked concept art go viral online, reveal key elements of the film A dark comedy set during the pandemic Produced by Square Peg and A24, Eddington is a black comedy set during the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows a couple stranded in a small town, where Phoenix plays the town sheriff running for mayor. Ari Aster first announced the project during the promotional tour for Beau Is Afraid. Filming began in March 2024 and wrapped up in May. Also Read: Kannada actress arrested for smuggling 15 kg gold at Bengaluru airport Star-studded cast The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Michael Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr. Also Read: Nayanthara rejects 'Lady Superstar' title, urges fans to call her by name: 'The name is what I hold closest to my heart' Joaquin Phoenix’s recent work Phoenix’s last film was Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to Todd Phillips’s critically and commercially successful Joker (2019). He reprised his role as the iconic comic book villain. However, the sequel was a critical and commercial disappointment, grossing $210 million against a $200 million budget. The film received seven Golden Raspberry Award nominations in 2025, including Worst Picture, and won for Worst Remake, Rip-off or Sequel, as well as Worst Screen Combo. Eddington does not have an official release date, but is expected to hit the big screen in 2025. Also Read: Tamil singer Kalpana Raghavendar hospitalised after alleged suicide attempt

First look at Joaquin Phoenix from Ari Aster’s Eddington is here

Over the last few years, I have made it a point to deliberately seek out more challenging works of art, be it novels, films, or television. This was not easy, since like most of you I grew up on a steady diet of popular entertainment and big, blockbuster franchises. But once I was able to wet my feet, there was no looking back. I found myself, automatically and without effort, drawn to works that are products of a distinct vision and authorial voice. Now, in an age when the industrious gears of creativity are often consumed by formulaic and profit-driven endeavours, I have found a deep appreciation for these stories that do not follow conventional narrative structures, plots that go nowhere (or at least seem to go nowhere), that test the boundaries of storytelling and demand patience from their audience, characters that are sad and funny, pitiful and inspiring, and often not heroic.&nbsp;

I credit writer-director Ari Aster and his scintillating debut Hereditary for that shift in my relationship with art. I also liked his next Midsommar, but not nearly as much. His latest Beau Is Afraid has already proven to be extremely divisive overseas, but I was profoundly surprised to find myself enjoying something that many critics have described as a chore and a grind.&nbsp;

The genre-defying film (Wikipedia calls it 'surrealist tragicomedy horror' and it is far from an exhaustive summation) explores a series of bizarre and haunting events that shape the life of its protagonist, Beau Wasserman, played by Joaquin Phoenix.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/john-wick-4-movie-review-keanu-reeves-baba-yaga-wreaks-mayhem-critically-speaking-575558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>What is Beau is Afraid about?</h2>

Beau Wasserman, a neurotic man, embarks on a surreal and twisted journey to attend his mother's funeral. He misses his flight due to his keys and luggage being stolen, and he is then locked out of his apartment by a mob of homeless people. He is attacked by an intruder, a police officer, and a murderer on the street, and to make matters worse, he is hit by a food truck. Awakening from this traumatic experience, he finds himself in the home of a married couple who have a daughter struggling with suicidal thoughts and a volatile war veteran. And on and on.&nbsp;

And believe it or not, it gets far stranger. This film ventures into realms of strangeness you couldn't even begin to fathom. At one point, it felt as though it was I who was losing my grip on reality. I exaggerate, but only slightly.

Oh, and before I forget, some or none of these events might not really have happened and our protagonist may just be imagining all of it. There is a lot of ambiguity in the film and a dream-like quality to everything that is not dispersed even at the end.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PuiWDn976Ek" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Is Beau is Afraid worth watching?</h2>

As you can tell, this film will not tickle everyone's fancy, but if you enjoy having your mind twisted like a pretzel, then buckle up and prepare for a wild ride. To borrow (and twist) a popular quote from Forrest Gump, Beau is Afraid is like a box of chocolates, except some of those chocolates are filled with existential dread. It tests the patience of viewers with its almost three-hour runtime, but for those willing to invest their time and attention, it offers a highly rewarding experience.

It need not be said, but Phoenix's performance in Beau is Afraid is a mesmerising tour de force. It is a haunting portrayal by one of the best actors of his generation, and I daresay even better than his Oscar-winning turn in Joker. With a delicate interplay of nuanced gestures, penetrating gazes, and an unguarded vulnerability, Phoenix captures the character's internal turmoil with a rare and unfiltered authenticity, immersing viewers in the raw essence of Beau's struggles.&nbsp;

Aster's signature attention to detail is evident in every frame of Beau Is Afraid. Even the seemingly haphazard sequences reveal themselves upon closer examination to be meticulously crafted and artistically staged. The film thrives on controlled chaos, blending elements of unpredictability with a deliberate vision. Pawel Pogorzelski's cinematography is atmospheric, capturing the tension and despair that permeate the narrative.&nbsp;

The imagery is often symbolic and metaphorical, adding another layer of depth to the story. Have fun interpreting and analysing its meaning. I know I did.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Over the last few years, I have made it a point to deliberately seek out more challenging works of art, be it novels, films, or television. This was not easy, since like most of you I grew up on a steady diet of popular entertainment and big, blockbuster franchises.

Over the last few years, I have made it a point to deliberately seek out more challenging works of art, be it novels, films, or television. This was not easy, since like most of you I grew up on a steady diet of popular entertainment and big, blockbuster franchises. But once I was able to wet my feet, there was no looking back. I found myself, automatically and without effort, drawn to works that are products of a distinct vision and authorial voice. Now, in an age when the industrious gears of creativity are often consumed by formulaic and profit-driven endeavours, I have found a deep appreciation for these stories that do not follow conventional narrative structures, plots that go nowhere (or at least seem to go nowhere), that test the boundaries of storytelling and demand patience from their audience, characters that are sad and funny, pitiful and inspiring, and often not heroic. I credit writer-director Ari Aster and his scintillating debut Hereditary for that shift in my relationship with art. I also liked his next Midsommar, but not nearly as much. His latest Beau Is Afraid has already proven to be extremely divisive overseas, but I was profoundly surprised to find myself enjoying something that many critics have described as a chore and a grind. The genre-defying film (Wikipedia calls it 'surrealist tragicomedy horror' and it is far from an exhaustive summation) explores a series of bizarre and haunting events that shape the life of its protagonist, Beau Wasserman, played by Joaquin Phoenix. What is Beau is Afraid about? Beau Wasserman, a neurotic man, embarks on a surreal and twisted journey to attend his mother's funeral. He misses his flight due to his keys and luggage being stolen, and he is then locked out of his apartment by a mob of homeless people. He is attacked by an intruder, a police officer, and a murderer on the street, and to make matters worse, he is hit by a food truck. Awakening from this traumatic experience, he finds himself in the home of a married couple who have a daughter struggling with suicidal thoughts and a volatile war veteran. And on and on. And believe it or not, it gets far stranger. This film ventures into realms of strangeness you couldn't even begin to fathom. At one point, it felt as though it was I who was losing my grip on reality. I exaggerate, but only slightly. Oh, and before I forget, some or none of these events might not really have happened and our protagonist may just be imagining all of it. There is a lot of ambiguity in the film and a dream-like quality to everything that is not dispersed even at the end. Is Beau is Afraid worth watching? As you can tell, this film will not tickle everyone's fancy, but if you enjoy having your mind twisted like a pretzel, then buckle up and prepare for a wild ride. To borrow (and twist) a popular quote from Forrest Gump, Beau is Afraid is like a box of chocolates, except some of those chocolates are filled with existential dread. It tests the patience of viewers with its almost three-hour runtime, but for those willing to invest their time and attention, it offers a highly rewarding experience. It need not be said, but Phoenix's performance in Beau is Afraid is a mesmerising tour de force. It is a haunting portrayal by one of the best actors of his generation, and I daresay even better than his Oscar-winning turn in Joker. With a delicate interplay of nuanced gestures, penetrating gazes, and an unguarded vulnerability, Phoenix captures the character's internal turmoil with a rare and unfiltered authenticity, immersing viewers in the raw essence of Beau's struggles. Aster's signature attention to detail is evident in every frame of Beau Is Afraid. Even the seemingly haphazard sequences reveal themselves upon closer examination to be meticulously crafted and artistically staged. The film thrives on controlled chaos, blending elements of unpredictability with a deliberate vision. Pawel Pogorzelski's cinematography is atmospheric, capturing the tension and despair that permeate the narrative. The imagery is often symbolic and metaphorical, adding another layer of depth to the story. Have fun interpreting and analysing its meaning. I know I did. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Beau Is Afraid review: Joaquin Phoenix film is a surreal, mind-bending journey worth taking

Joaquin Phoenix has signed his first project since winning an Oscar for work in 'Joker'.

The actor has set his next project with 'Disappointment Blvd', writer-director Ari Aster's follow-up to his acclaimed horror films 'Hereditary'&nbsp;and 'Midsommar'. A24 will release the film, reuniting with Aster after his first two projects.

According to Deadline, Disappointment Blvd. would be Phoenix's first project after his&nbsp;Joker, as his previously-announced role as Napoleon in Ridley Scott's Kitbag is likely to film afterward. Phoenix completed filming on director Mike Mills' upcoming C'mon C'mon, another A24 joint, ahead of last year's Oscars.

Disappointment Blvd. is described as "an intimate, decades-spanning portrait of one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time." Further details are being kept under wraps, but that description sounds like a departure from the genre fare of Aster's last two films. 
 
He previously described his next project as a "nightmare comedy" that would be four hours long, though it's unclear if he was referring to the same movie.

Joaquin Phoenix has signed his first project since winning an Oscar for work in 'Joker'. The actor has set his next project with 'Disappointment Blvd', writer-director Ari Aster's follow-up to his acclaimed horror films 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar'.

Joaquin Phoenix has signed his first project since winning an Oscar for work in 'Joker'. The actor has set his next project with 'Disappointment Blvd', writer-director Ari Aster's follow-up to his acclaimed horror films 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar'. A24 will release the film, reuniting with Aster after his first two projects. According to Deadline, Disappointment Blvd. would be Phoenix's first project after his Joker, as his previously-announced role as Napoleon in Ridley Scott's Kitbag is likely to film afterward. Phoenix completed filming on director Mike Mills' upcoming C'mon C'mon, another A24 joint, ahead of last year's Oscars. Disappointment Blvd. is described as "an intimate, decades-spanning portrait of one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time." Further details are being kept under wraps, but that description sounds like a departure from the genre fare of Aster's last two films. He previously described his next project as a "nightmare comedy" that would be four hours long, though it's unclear if he was referring to the same movie.

Joaquin Phoenix set to work with 'Midsommar' director Ari Aster

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First look at Joaquin Phoenix from Ari Aster’s Eddington is here

Beau Is Afraid review: Joaquin Phoenix film is a surreal, mind-bending journey worth taking

Joaquin Phoenix set to work with 'Midsommar' director Ari Aster