Trailers
Description
Set in the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles on July 4, 2008, as it stands on the brink of social, economic and environmental disaster. Boxer Santaros is an action star who's stricken with amnesia. His life intertwines with Krysta Now, an adult film star developing her own reality television project, and Ronald Taverner, a Hermosa Beach police officer who holds the key to a vast conspiracy.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
Southland Tales is a polarizing, ambitious sci-fi satire that many view as an incoherent, bloated mess, while others champion it as a visionary, ahead-of-its-time masterpiece. While its fragmented structure and confusing narrative alienate a large portion of the audience, its unique atmosphere and bold, non-conformist style earn significant praise from its defenders.
| Acting | The film features an impressively eclectic ensemble cast that delivers memorable and effective performances despite the chaotic material. | |
| Production | The atmospheric world-building and hypnotic, surreal visual style create a singular, memorable aesthetic that captivates dedicated viewers. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative structure is deeply divisive; some appreciate the puzzle-like, multi-layered complexity, while many others find the plot incomprehensible, fragmented, and lacking in coherence. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing and accessibility are significant barriers, as its reliance on unconventional, dense exposition and an overly long runtime leaves many viewers feeling bored or alienated. | |
| Direction | Opinions on Richard Kelly’s direction are split between those who view him as a visionary genius pushing cinematic boundaries and those who see his work as unfocused, inconsistent, and self-indulgent. |