Inherent Venice

In 40th anniversary Los Angeles, private investigator Doc Sportello is visited by his ex-girlfriend, Shasta Fay Hepworth. She asks him to help her find her current wealthy boyfriend and his attorney, who she claims have been kidnapped by her boyfriend's wife. As Doc delves into the case, he uncovers a complex web of drug dealers, ex-cons, rock stars, and shady land developers, all while navigating the surreal landscape of Southern California.

Inherent Vice received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique tone, complex narrative, and Paul Thomas Anderson's distinctive directorial style. While some found its convoluted plot and dense dialogue challenging, many appreciated its playful homage to 1970s noir and its quirky characters. Audience reception was more divided, with some embracing its idiosyncratic nature and others put off by its unconventional storytelling.

• Praised for its distinctive, psychedelic 1970s vibe and Paul Thomas Anderson's assured direction.

• Lauded for its quirky humor, memorable characters, and complex, albeit sometimes bewildering, plot.

• Criticized by some for being overly dense and difficult to follow, requiring multiple viewings to fully appreciate.

Google audience: Google users generally found 'Inherent Vice' to be a stylish and unique film, appreciating its offbeat humor and the performances. However, many noted that the complex and often confusing plot made it a challenging watch, with some finding it too meandering and convoluted to fully enjoy.

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival. Nominated for two Satellite Awards.

The film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Thomas Pynchon, a notoriously reclusive author whose works are rarely adapted for the screen.