Mixed Signals from Semafor Media Director Ari Aster on ‘the movie that Twitter wrote’
Jul 18, 2025
Ari Aster, acclaimed director known for horror hits like Hereditary and Midsommar, dives into his new film, Eddington, which captures the essence of lockdown life during the pandemic. He discusses the unsettling influence of digital media as the film's antagonist and reflects on his own social media experiences that shaped the narrative. Aster also shares insights on the empathy needed to understand conspiracy theories and reveals a surprising Marvel movie he turned down, showcasing the intersection of art and modern societal challenges.
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Media Creates Isolated Realities
- The film portrays people as fortressed off in different realities due to hyper individualism.
- This isolation fuels deepened paranoia and potential violence as realities clash.
Ari's Twitter Research for Film
- Ari Aster spent a lot of time on Twitter in 2020, observing its impact on his mind.
- He created multiple profiles to experience various algorithms feeding him different media narratives.
Empathy Bridges Political Divides
- Researching diverse New Mexico communities infused Ari's film with empathy across political divides.
- He found conservative locals' convictions deeply human and interesting despite skepticism.
