Inherent Vice: A Darkly Comic Detective Film

Based on Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 novel of the same name, 2014’s Inherent Vice was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and released to mixed reviews. Some critics thought the plot to be too convoluted and often difficult to follow, but the award nominations, including two Academy Awards nominations and a Best Actor Golden Globe Award nomination, indicated that at least some thought otherwise.

The film touts no shortage of star power, with an impressive cast that includes the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Katherine Waterston, Eric Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Benicio del Toro, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, Jeannie Berlin, Maya Rudolph, Michael K. Williams and Martin Short. Inherent Vice marks Paul Thomas Anderson’s second major collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix following 2012’s The Master, although much of the supporting casts can be seen making appearances throughout Anderson’s many films as well.

While the cast alone would be reason enough to watch the film, the plot certainly doesn’t disappoint either. It follows private investigator Larry "Doc" Sportello, a 1970’s California stoner hippie, who gets involved in the seedy Los Angeles criminal underworld following the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend and her wealthy boyfriend. While themes of drug culture and counterculture make the film just a little less than family friendly, it’s still an entertaining watch by all accounts, one that could be appreciated by mystery buffs and comedy fans alike.

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Must Watch Detective Shows You Can Stream Right Now

If you’re looking for some great TV, look no further than these three shows currently streaming on Netflix.

Jack Taylor. Starring Game of Thrones’ Iain Glen as the titular Jack Taylor, this gritty Irish detective drama thrills and compels every bit as much as it entertains. Taylor, a street tough ex-cop kicked off the force for assaulting a politician turns to the world of private investigation, taking on the cases that the cops won’t and letting nothing get in his way, not even the law, when solving them. Taylor breaks the rules to help others, all while battling his own demons.

The Fall. Compared to a game of cat-and-cat as opposed to cat-and-mouse, The Fall tells the tale of an intelligent serial killer on the loose in Belfast being pursued by a cold, calculating detective who is every bit as intelligent. The series stars Gillian Anderson (of X-Files fame) in the role of the detective, a role which she has described as her all-time favorite, and a few episodes into the show it’s easy to see why. Jamie Dornan stars opposite Anderson as the serial killer, and his performance is every bit as riveting, making this a show not to be missed.

River. British drama at its finest, River stars Stellan Skarsgard as detective inspector John River with the Metropolitan Police Service who tries to solve the mystery of his murdered partner. As River investigates her murder he digs up conspiracies and cover ups, all while solving day-to-day cases and dealing with his own personal trauma after the event. His investigations lead to compelling encounters with grieving family members, ex-cons, and fellow officers, who River suspects had a hand in the whole affair.

Looking for a deep dive into the world of mystery? Visit our online library at www.mystread.com for a wide variety of ebooks, audiobooks, music, and more. Accessible anytime, anywhere, from your favorite devices.