Inherent Vice

Synopsis

In the psychedelic haze of 1970s Los Angeles, private investigator Doc Sportello, played by Joaquin Phoenix, finds himself entangled in a surreal mystery after his ex-girlfriend Shasta Fay Hepworth reappears with a wild request for help. As Doc delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, dark conspiracies, and a sense of paranoia that blurs the line between reality and hallucination. Inherent Vice, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is a mesmerizing and enigmatic journey through the counterculture of the era, where the past lingers like a ghost and the truth is as elusive as the smoke from a joint.

Cast

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  Joaquin Phoenix

  Larry "Doc" Sportello

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  Josh Brolin

  Lt. Det. Christian F. "Bigfoot" Bjornsen

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  Owen Wilson

  Coy Harlingen

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  Katherine Waterston

  Shasta Fay Hepworth

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  Reese Witherspoon

  Deputy D.A. Penny Kimball

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  Benicio del Toro

  Sauncho Smilax, Esq.

Reviews

Inherent Vice has divided critics with its unconventional narrative and atmospheric style. While some reviewers praise the film for its intricate plotting and captivating performances, others find it meandering and convoluted. 'A dreamy, intoxicating trip into the heart of 1970s California' - Rotten Tomatoes. 'Joaquin Phoenix shines in this mesmerizing noir odyssey' - IMDb. 'A masterclass in mood and atmosphere' - Metacritic. The film's non-linear storytelling and richly detailed world have garnered both admiration and frustration, making it a polarizing but undeniably unique cinematic experience.