Watch Inherent Vice

Inherent Vice is a mystery-comedy film set in the 1970s in California based on a novel of the same name by Thomas Pynchon. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, it was released in 2014 and stars Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, and Reese Witherspoon. The movie follows the life of a private investigator named Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) in the fictional town of Gordita Beach. He receives a visit from his ex-girlfriend Shasta Fay Hepworth (Katherine Waterston), who tells him about an upcoming scheme involving her wealthy boyfriend Mickey Wolfmann (Eric Roberts), which she believes could put Mickey's life in danger.

At the same time, Doc is hired by his new client, a wealthy woman named Hope Harlingen (Jena Malone), to investigate the disappearance of her husband, Coy Harlingen (Owen Wilson). Coy, a saxophonist, has been missing for several days after inviting Hope to a party hosted by Wolfmann's wife Sloane (Serena Scott Thomas).

Doc begins his investigation, but he soon finds himself navigating a web of eccentric characters and conspiracies in the world of drugs, sex, and crime in 1970s California. Along the way, he meets a range of intriguing characters, including LAPD detective Christian "Bigfoot" Bjornsen (Josh Brolin), Tariq Kahlil (Michael K. Williams), and Adrian Prussia (Peter McRobbie).

As Doc gets closer to the truth, he finds himself on the receiving end of several attempts on his life, making him question who is really in control and who is working against him. A series of twists and turns takes him on a wild ride through the darker corners of 1970s California in his quest to reveal the truth behind the disappearance of Coy Harlingen.

Inherent Vice is praised for its attention to detail in accurately portraying the 1970s, from fashion to the music, making it visually appealing to watch. The cast is also praised for their performances, with Joaquin Phoenix being the standout in his portrayal of the hippie private detective. The film's story is complex, and at times hard to follow, but it keeps the audience engaged with its humor and quirky characters.

The movie also has its fair share of criticism. The complex storyline can be confusing for some viewers, and the film's sense of humor may not appeal to everyone. Some have also criticized the film for its pacing, with certain scenes dragging on for too long.

Overall, Inherent Vice is a film that requires patience and an open mind, as it is not a typical mystery or comedy movie. It is a unique blend of genres that offers a glimpse into an interesting period in American history with its memorable characters and intriguing storyline.

Inherent Vice is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 81.