A Small-Town Election Becomes a Nationwide Incident: An All-Consuming “Flame-War Thriller”

Ari Aster, the singular filmmaker who made a striking impression on the film world with Hereditary and captivated audiences worldwide with Midsommar, further evolved his unmistakable storytelling in Beau Is Afraid. Teaming with Joaquin Phoenix, he deepened the worldview of his previous films and reached a realm all his own. Now Aster opens a new chapter with Eddington, bringing together trusted cast members and new collaborators. Joaquin Phoenix, who also starred in Beau Is Afraid, plays Sheriff Joe. Following major roles in Joker and Napoleon, Phoenix delivers a remarkable performance as a seemingly calm sheriff who quietly breaks down before finally erupting. Pedro Pascal, drawing intense attention in Hollywood through projects such as The Mandalorian and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, appears as Mayor Ted. Emma Stone of La La Land and Poor Things plays Joe’s wife Louise, who becomes drawn into conspiracy theories, while Austin Butler of Elvis and Dune: Part Two gives a powerful performance as Vernon, the leader of the cult group she comes to idolize. A deluxe Blu-ray edition, essential for fans, will also be released. The carefully crafted package turns the shocking experience of the film into the pleasure of ownership. The Blu-ray includes an original outer sleeve case and an original double-sided A3 election poster featuring Sheriff Joe and Mayor Ted, symbolic figures of the story. It also includes behind-the-scenes making-of footage, making this a special edition that allows viewers to savor the world of the film more deeply. Limited purchase bonuses from Amazon.co.jp and Rakuten Books have also been confirmed. Eddington is set in 2020 in the small town of Eddington, New Mexico. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the town is locked down, and residents’ frustration and anxiety approach a breaking point under suffocating isolation. Sheriff Joe clashes with ambitious Mayor Ted, who hopes to “save” the town by attracting an IT company, after a minor dispute over whether to wear masks. Joe suddenly declares, “I’m going to be mayor!” and enters the mayoral race. The conflict between Joe and Ted spreads, while social media erupts with fake news and hatred. At the same time, Joe’s wife Louise becomes captivated by inflammatory videos from Vernon, the leader of a cult group, and falls into conspiracy theories. Eddington’s election becomes a vortex of suspicion, controversy, and rage, as violence breeds more violence and criticism and conspiracy bury the truth. Is there any future beyond this? The town of Eddington and its residents race toward a catastrophic edge no one could have predicted. Eddington will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The Blu-ray is priced at 6,600 yen including tax, and the DVD at 4,400 yen including tax. Blu-ray bonuses include an outer sleeve case, a double-sided A3 “Eddington Mayoral Election” poster, and video extras: Made in Eddington: Behind the Scenes of Production (24 minutes) and trailers. Store-specific purchase bonuses include a set of three L-size bromide photos from Amazon.co.jp and a set of three half-size bromide photos from Rakuten Books. Some stores are excluded. Bonuses are available while supplies last, and designs and product specifications are subject to change. Is what this film depicts a bad joke, a radical warning, or an unvarnished miniature of the darkness of the modern age? The flame-war thriller from Ari Aster, the audacious filmmaker who unsettles the world with every new release, finally begins. Its flames will leap beyond the screen and consume you whole. Released and distributed by Happinet Media Marketing Corporation.