Eddington

What’s it about?

In May of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbour is pitted against neighbour in Eddington, New Mexico.

The facts

• Directed by Ari Aster (Beau Is Afraid, Midsommar)
• English language
• Runtime: 149 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Content that may disturb

We see full frontal male nudity as a character is assisted to sit on a toilet. We see a nurse slap a patient they’re assisting.

A main character is accused of being a sexual predator, and is called a rapist for having sex with a woman when she was a minor. The woman denies this.

A minor character recounts being sold as a child by his father. His father then suicided and the man who helped him died of an overdose. There are plot hints at incest and child molestation but isn’t developed or confirmed.

Several references to discrimination including racist remarks to a Native American police officer, and a black character receives a token promotion.

Violence

A police officer shoots and kills a homeless person without being provoked. We see the gun shot wound, and we see them disposing of the body in a rubbish bag. Several murders go unpunished.

The violence in the film is occasional but does start to ramp up as the film progresses. We don’t see a lot of injuries.

Offensive language

We hear strong language such as ‘f**k’, ‘b*tch’, ‘s**t’, ‘butterb*lls’, ‘p*ss’, and the terms ‘faggot’, ‘bastard’ and ‘retarded’ used as insults.

Youth Advisory Panel comments

A member of our Youth Advisory Panel attended the classification screening and found the violence to be the strongest content, especially the gun shot wounds.

Helplines:

The plot themes of child sexual assault, and discrimination portrayed in the film could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?