In the town of Eddington, New Mexico, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, a series of tense events unfold that reveal the complex relationships and societal divisions within the community. The story begins with Clifton-Collins-Jr portraying Lodge, a homeless man wandering the outskirts, mumbling incoherent words after a night of heavy drinking. His erratic behavior attracts attention, especially as he passes a sign for an upcoming data company called SolidGoldMagikarp, hinting at impending developments that may impact the town.
The local mayor, Pedro Pascal, plays a central role as Ted Garcia, implementing strict lockdown and mask policies in response to the pandemic. However, Sheriff Joe Cross, played by Joaquin Phoenix, resists these rules citing his asthma, leading to confrontations that highlight the tension between authority and personal beliefs. During a heated incident at a local bar, Joe and Lodge clash, resulting in Lodge coughing on Joe, which is caught on camera by Eric, the mayor's son, and his friend Cameron Mann.
Joe lives with his wife, Emma Stone, as Louise Cross, and her mother Dawn, portrayed by Deirdre O'Connell. Their relationship is complicated by Dawn's condescending attitude and conspiracy theories reminiscent of QAnon, which create strain within the household. The film delves into their personal struggles, including past traumas, as Louise recounts her own history of sexual abuse by her father during a tense dinner with cult leader Vernon Jefferson Peak, played by Austin Butler, and his followers.
Throughout these events, the community faces nationwide outrage following George Floyd’s murder, igniting protests such as Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Characters like Sarah, played by Amélie Hoeferle, and Eric become involved in social activism, while Michael Ward's character navigates relationships that complicate his involvement in the protests and personal jealousy. Meanwhile, Joe records a viral confrontation with Lodge to highlight police brutality, which snowballs into larger conflicts.
In a shocking development, Joe orchestrates a series of violent acts — first, shooting Lodge in a fit of rage, and then ambushing Ted Garcia and Eric with a sniper rifle, aiming to eliminate his enemies. These murders are initially staged as anti-fascist attacks, but evidence points to Joe being the true culprit, with William Belleau as Butterfly Jimenez, a tribal officer investigating the case. As investigations unfold, Joe’s grip on reality weakens, especially after his accomplices die in an explosion initiated by extremists with ties to Antifa.
The climax intensifies when Joe faces the violent extremists, resulting in gunfire and chaos on the streets. His attempts to defend himself lead to accidental shootings, and he is ultimately left gravely injured after a series of violent encounters. Brian, played by Luke Grimes, covertly records Joe’s final moments, turning him into a right-wing hero in the public eye despite the truth.
A year later, Joe remains in a vegetative state but is still elected mayor, with Dawn speaking on his behalf and seemingly collaborating with SolidGoldMagikarp, whose data center has become operational. The film closes with scenes of personal tragedy and lingering sadness, as Louise, now pregnant with Vernon’s child, appears next to Vernon himself. Meanwhile, Michael is shown practicing his marksmanship, hinting at ongoing tensions and unresolved issues.
This layered narrative explores themes of authority, societal division, trauma, and the corrosive effects of conspiracy theories within a small community, set against the backdrop of an unprecedented global crisis.
