Under the Silver Lake

Under the Silver Lake is a 2018 neo-noir mystery film that beautifully captures the vibe of contemporary Los Angeles, while sinking its claws deep into the rich history of Hollywood’s most celebrated era. The movie, directed by David Robert Mitchell, features Andrew Garfield, Riley Keough and Topher Grace in engaging roles that set them apart from their previous on-screen ventures.

The narrative follows the unusual life of Sam (Andrew Garfield), a disinterested and unemployed 33-year-old man who is more consumed by pop culture than he is by the reality of his own existence. Sam lives in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, the hub of a generation disillusioned with the modern world but paradoxically, tightly bound by the confines of social media and superficial relationships.

One night, Sam encounters Sarah (Riley Keough), a new neighbor with a mysteriously irresistible aura about her. Radiating beauty and encapsulating the enigma of the classic Hollywood femme fatale, Sarah’s interactions with Sam range from charming to cryptic, igniting a flame of curiosity within him that remains even when she suddenly disappears the day after their encounter.

Vexed by Sarah’s abrupt disappearance, Sam embarks on a quixotic journey across Los Angeles to find her, navigating the treacherous topical landscape of secret societies, billionaires, urban myths and constantly unfolding affairs of a hyper-modern civilization. Considerably nonplussed by the onset of eviction from his rented apartment, Sam is more intrigued by the cryptic symbols and signs he stumbles upon in his city-wide quest, often seen interpreting secret messages from comic books, album covers and classic Hollywood films.

These pop-cultural signifiers mean nothing to the ordinary person, but to Sam, they represent an elaborate conspiracy, extending its tentacles throughout the beloved city of Angels. Each clue leads him to a different part of the city, allowing him to explore wildly diverse terrains and environments from the glamorous mansions of the wealthy to underground parties in East LA.

Lending a comic relief to Sam’s anxiety-ridden pursuit is Topher Grace’s character, who embodies the quintessential laid-back Los Angeles hipster. Encapsulating modern day obsessions with technology and virtual engagement, his character provides a mirror to Sam’s archaic obsession with the physical world and the tangible.

The movie showcases the duality of the city—its superficial, glamorous veneer that masks its gritty, unforgiving underbelly. Director David Robert Mitchell effectively weaves an environment of paranoia and mystery, reflecting the sentiments of many living in the sprawling metropolis, often finding themselves lost in the labyrinth of urban life.

As the narrative unfurls, we see the city of Los Angeles as a complex character in itself. Embodying an iconic mystique from Hollywood’s golden age, the cityscape reflects not just the gloss of celebrity culture and idyllic beaches, but also a dark, perplexingly existential side.

Andrew Garfield comfortably fits into his character's skin, masterfully navigating Sam’s convoluted psyche and the city’s intricate landscape. Riley Keough's tantalizing performance captivates the audience, leaving them guessing about her true intentions. Topher Grace's effortlessly charming screen presence adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative, further blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Under the Silver Lake is not just a movie – it’s a vibrant exploration of urban myths that resonate with our collective unconsciousness. The movie carves out its own niche with its mix of hallucinatory detective work and lucid storytelling, making it a don't-miss title for those who enjoy a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

In the end, Under the Silver Lake is a reflection of the current state of society, a society that thrives on the enigma of urban legends and conspiracy theories. This makes for a persistently intriguing narrative that draws audiences in, maintaining a steady grip on their attention till the very end. Tailor-made for movie-goers interested in dissecting and deconstructing the multi-layered mystery, it is a bold bet in the genre that successfully pays off.

Immersive in its narrative and effectively tackling themes of longing, loneliness, and unfulfilled desires, the movie serves as a cryptic ode to the City of Angels, leaving viewers pondering long after the credits roll.