The movie’s tagline is “hindsight is 2020,” which is fitting for a movie that is clever and empty. In a fictional New Mexican town, Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix) is unhappy about statewide COVID-19 precautions. In Eddington, though, all of the threads that Aster puts into place seem to unravel as Joe Cross’ motivations take an unconvincing, violent turn. Joe Cross’ unexpected arc, despite Phoenix’s beguiling performance, comes across as confused and unearned. I could be convinced to watch Eddington again just to see all the hilarious, meticulous touches that Aster has embedded in the scenery.