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Andrew Garfield, widely recognized for his role in Sony’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” series, has showcased his versatility by portraying an array of characters, including real-life figures. He earned critical acclaim as World War II medic Desmond Doss in Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge” and more recently, captivated audiences as renowned playwright Jonathan Larson in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!” Both performances garnered him Oscar nominations for Best Actor. While these projects were high-profile, a lesser-known gem in Garfield’s filmography is “Under the Silver Lake,” now available for streaming on Netflix.
A24
Directed and written by David Robert Mitchell, “Under the Silver Lake” quietly premiered in 2018, not making significant waves initially. This A24 production is a curious blend of surrealism, neo-noir, black comedy, and thriller elements, creating a complex tapestry that becomes more engaging with each viewing. Garfield plays Sam, a thirty-something drifting aimlessly in Los Angeles until the mysterious disappearance of his neighbor, Sarah, played by Riley Keough, piques his interest.
Sarah and her friends vanish overnight, prompting Sam to embark on a quest to uncover the truth. His penchant for seeing conspiracies in everyday life propels him into a labyrinthine adventure across Los Angeles. As Sam delves deeper, he uncovers mysterious codes and symbols, leading both him and the audience on a captivating journey filled with intrigue and unexpected encounters.
Over time, “Under the Silver Lake” has cultivated a dedicated cult following, and it’s clear why. As with many cult classics, it evoked mixed reactions upon release, earning a modest 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, mirrored by the audience’s Popcornmeter score. Yet, its enigmatic allure has drawn viewers back for repeated watches, gradually building a loyal fanbase that appreciates the cinematic puzzle Mitchell crafted.
A significant part of its cult status derives from Mitchell’s admission that the film is laced with hidden codes and mysteries for the audience to unravel. This has sparked lively discussions on platforms like Reddit, where amateur detectives dissect everything from potential Morse code in fireworks displays to cryptic symbols on everyday objects. While there’s an argument to be made that “Under the Silver Lake” cautions against overanalyzing, the fan-driven theorizing has undeniably prolonged its lifespan and attracted new viewers. Unlike some cult classics that thrive on their “so-bad-it’s-good” charm, this film stands out as a genuinely intriguing cinematic experience.
Under the Silver Lake has a cult following today
A24
“Under the Silver Lake” has developed a cult following over the last few years, and it’s not hard to see why. Like many cult films, it split opinion upon its release (the film earned a critical rating of 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it has the exact same score on the audience Popcornmeter). But, as more and more people took a chance and decided to watch — and then rewatch — the movie, a dedicated fanbase began to grow, made up of people who appreciate what David Robert Mitchell was trying to achieve.
Much of the cult following revolves around the fact that Mitchell has admitted there are hidden codes and mysteries embedded in the film that are meant for the audience alone. There’s an active subreddit dedicated to unravelling “Under the Silver Lake,” with amateur sleuths looking at everything from possible Morse code in a fireworks display to potential codes on toilets. While it can be argued that one of the points of “Under the Silver Lake” is not to read too much into things, this fan theorizing has helped the movie live on and find new viewers. Some cult classics are really bad films, but this isn’t one of them.
