The film follows Sam (Andrew Garfield), a disenchanted slacker who becomes fascinated with his neighbor Sarah (Riley Keough) after a flirty encounter. When Sarah disappears without a trace, Sam embarks on a surreal quest to find her, encountering a bizarre cast of characters and surreal situations along the way.
Despite being marketed as a mystery-thriller, Under the Silver Lake is more of a fever dream than a conventional narrative. It feels less like a cohesive story and more like a collection of oddball references, surreal imagery, and in-jokes. This can be disorienting for some viewers, but it also creates an otherworldly atmosphere that sucks you in and refuses to let go.
Andrew Garfield delivers a knockout performance as Sam, infusing his slacker character with a sense of urgency, charm, and vulnerability. Sam is an unreliable narrator, prone to wild conspiracy theories and paranoid ramblings, but Garfield manages to make him sympathetic anyway.
Riley Keough is as captivating as ever in the role of Sarah, playing her as a mysterious, ethereal figure who haunts Sam’s every thought. Though she only appears in a few scenes, her presence looms large over the film and gives it a sense of urgency.
Under the Silver Lake is a visual feast for the senses, with stunning cinematography, intricate production design, and a trippy soundtrack that transports you to another dimension. Every frame of the film is filled with detail and nuance, making it a true pleasure to look at even when the story doesn’t quite add up.
The film’s greatest strength is its sense of irreverent humor, which is in full force throughout. From Sam’s obsession with conspiracy theories to the bizarre supporting characters he encounters, Under the Silver Lake is full of laugh-out-loud moments that keep the tone light even when the story takes a dark turn.
Despite its many strengths, Under the Silver Lake is not for everyone. Those looking for a conventional mystery-thriller will likely be frustrated by its lack of resolution and intentional ambiguity. However, if you’re in the mood for a weird and wonderful ride that defies categorization, this film is a must-see.
Overall, Under the Silver Lake is a quirky and compelling film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It may not be perfect, but it’s a bold and daring work of art that is sure to please anyone looking for something a little offbeat.