The Canyons

Synopsis

The Canyons is a 2013 thriller drama directed by Paul Schrader and written by Bret Easton Ellis. Set against the backdrop of the hedonistic lifestyle in Los Angeles, the film follows Christian, a wealthy and manipulative young man, and his on-again, off-again girlfriend Tara, an aspiring actress trapped in a toxic relationship. As jealousy and deceit escalate amid a circle of superficial friends and industry insiders, their lives spiral into dangerous territory marked by passion, betrayal, and violence. The film delves into themes of desire, power, and the dark side of Hollywood excess, capturing a gripping portrait of flawed characters navigating a whirlwind of ambition and dysfunction.

Cast

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  Lindsay Lohan

  Tara

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  James Deen

  Christian

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  Nolan Gerard Funk

  Ryan

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  Amanda Brooks

  Gina

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  Tenille Houston

  Cynthia

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  Gus Van Sant

  Dr. Campbell

Reviews

The Canyons received predominantly negative reviews from critics, as reflected by its ratings: IMDb users gave it 3.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes shows a low approval rating at 21%, and Metacritic scores it 36/100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Critics often pointed out the film’s weak dialogue and incoherent plot as major flaws. Rotten Tomatoes' consensus notes it as a "misfire that fails to live up to its provocative premise." Peter Travers from Rolling Stone described the film as "a muddled mess that squanders a talented cast," though he acknowledged Lindsay Lohan’s "effort to bring depth to her troubled character." Entertainment Weekly gave a C- grade, emphasizing the movie's "flat performances and lack of narrative drive." On the positive side, some reviewers like The Hollywood Reporter appreciated the film’s atmosphere and dark, moody tone, describing it as "an intriguing yet flawed indie film with a unique style." Despite its poor reception, The Canyons developed a minor cult following among fans of experimental storytelling and 2010s indie cinema. Overall, it’s seen as a polarizing attempt that fails to fully capitalize on its potential.