I've seen posters that make you think. I've seen posters that make you feel. But Ari Aster's poster for Eddington does something different: it makes you question everything you thought you knew about politics. It's not just a movie—it's a mirror held up to our fractured reality.
The poster for Eddington is a masterclass in subversion. At first glance, it's simple: three goats tumbling off a cliff, with the tagline “Hindsight is 2020” emblazoned across the center. But dig deeper, and you'll find layers of meaning that feel both timely and timeless. The image isn't random—it's a metaphor for the chaos of the 2020 pandemic and its aftermath, when America seemed to teeter on the brink of collapse.
Let's break it down. The poster features three goats, each in various stages of falling. The top goat is still clinging to the edge, while the bottom goat is already plummeting into the abyss. This visual metaphor is powerful: it suggests that no matter how high you climb, there's always a risk of falling. In the context of Eddington , which is set during the 2020 pandemic, this imagery feels like a direct commentary on the fragility of society. As film critic Sarah Thompson noted in her recent analysis, “The poster isn't just symbolic—it's prophetic. It captures the essence of what Aster is trying to say: we're all falling, whether we realize it or not”.
The tagline, “Hindsight is 2020,” adds another layer of complexity. On one hand, it's a clever play on words—a nod to the phrase “hindsight is 20/20.” But on the other, it's a stark reminder of how hindsight often reveals the absurdity of our actions. In the context of Eddington , which explores the political divide in America, this tagline becomes a pointed critique of how we navigate crises. As one industry insider put it, “This poster isn't just about goats—it's about us. It's about how we look back on the past and wonder, ‘What were we thinking?'”.
Aster's approach to symbolism isn't new—he's built his career on it. From Hereditary 's eerie dollhouse to Midsommar 's sun-drenched cult rituals, his films are known for their ability to blend horror with social commentary. But Eddington takes this a step further by tackling one of the most divisive topics of our time: politics. As noted by cinematographer Darius Khondji, who lensed the film, “Aster doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths. He uses visuals to amplify the story, and in Eddington , those visuals are as sharp as they are unsettling”.
The poster itself is a testament to Aster's vision. Designed by renowned artist David Wojnarowicz, whose work often explored themes of mortality and societal decay, it's a perfect fit for Eddington . As Wojnarowicz once said, “Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” The poster does exactly that, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.
Would you risk watching Eddington knowing it might challenge your beliefs? Comment below. For now, one thing is certain: Ari Aster's poster for Eddington isn't just a teaser—it's a wake-up call. Whether you see yourself reflected in the falling goats or turn away in denial, there's no denying that Aster has once again pushed the boundaries of cinema. And as for the film itself? Stay tuned—because Eddington is going to be one of the most talked-about movies of the year.
