A left-of-centre coming-of-age, the latest from Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood, Punch Drunk Love) is a San Fernando Valley love story set in the early 1970s.
A rambling tale of uncertainty, Alana (Alana Haim – member of the band Haim with sisters Este and Danielle, also in the film) finds herself involved with 15 year-old hustler, Gary (Cooper Hoffman – son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in his feature film debut). Full of ideas to make a quick dollar, Gary attracts people to him as he charms adults and kids alike to support his initiatives.
It’s engaging but frustrating – a meandering narrative difficult to know where it’s coming from and where’s it going.
Nominated for 3 Oscars in 2022 for best film, director and original screenplay.
Rating: 64%
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