Stanisland Magazine

From mixed reviews to plot confusion, this is what you need to know about A24’s new film

Ari Aster is well known for his horror movies, and now he is turning to a story confronting politics and divisions sown between communities during the 2020 pandemic.

What’s the Plot?

The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross and Pedro Pascal as Ted Garcia, who is running as mayor of the town. The two are pitched as two opposing forces, delving deep into a time of misinformation and polarising views.

It’s set to cover the absurdity of a time when many were forced to rely on second-hand information and politicians with differing views, despite scientific consensus.

Reception

Following a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, critical feedback has been mixed, with many praising it for its thought-provoking look at a time of confusion and mayhem.

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Others applauded the performances of its leading actors but felt the movie was divisive, “provocative,” and uncalled for. Others called it a “bafflingly dull movie” and that it “skewers a range of political postures.” Tomris lafflry of Elle Magazine says: “Ari Aster transforms everyday American insanity into one of the most artistically complete and compulsively watchable doom-scrolls of the year.” Justin Chang of The New Yorker had a different viewpoint: “Whatever glancing insights (Ari Aster) achieves early on are squandered in a second act that descends into sniggering superiority, cartoonish violence, and generally stultifying tedium.”

Social media has also chimed in on the production, with many brimming with opinions of their own. One user said, “No matter the reviews this is going to be controversial,” while another shared his excitement: “New Ari Aster movie = must watch, simple as that.”

What to Expect

Aster is often praised as a horror master despite only having a few films in the genre to his name. If we’re being honest, though, his productions are tame, relying on jump scares and repurposed material. Perhaps his pivot towards social commentary will help us better understand his work or assist him where he needs to be. He’s a talented, creative worker practising within a flawed roadmap.

Full Cast, Production Details and Release Date

The film is produced and distributed by A24 Films and Aster’s own production house, Square Peg. It was shot on location at Albuquerque, Santa Fe County and other parts of New Mexico.

It’s set to be released on July 18th 2025. The cast features a mix of up-and-coming names as well as established actors and actresses, including:

• Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross
• Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted Garcia
• Emma Stone as Louise Cross (Joe’s wife)
• Austin Butler as Vernon Jefferson Peak
• Luke Grimes as Guy, (a sheriff’s officer)
• Deirdre O’Connell as Dawn, Louise’s mother
• Micheal Ward as Michael (young sheriff’s trainee)
• Clifton Collins Jr. as Lodge
• William Belleau as Officer Butterfly Jimenez
• Amélie Hoeferle as Sarah
• Matt Gomez Hidaka as Eric Garcia
• Cameron Mann as Brian
• Landall Goolsby as Will
• Elise Falanga as Nicolette
• Robert Mark Wallace as Warren