Go (1999) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for much of the story, depicting its vibrant nightlife and the underground world of party culture and drug dealing. Las Vegas provides a contrasting setting where the characters travel, amplifying the reckless behavior and pursuit of pleasure that defines the film.

• los angeles
• las vegas
• setting
• locations

The movie unfolds during the festive season of Christmas, beginning on Christmas Eve and extending through the days leading up to New Year's Day. This timeframe is significant as the holiday period creates a backdrop of celebration and excess, contrasted against the desperate choices the characters make.

• christmas
• new year
• time period
• holiday

Drug culture is a central theme exploring how young individuals navigate the dangerous underground drug world. Ronna's transformation from a desperate grocery store employee to a makeshift drug dealer illustrates both the allure and perils of narcotics, highlighting the risks of chasing quick financial gains.

• drugs
• drug dealing
• drug culture
• narcotics

The film emphasizes that characters face significant repercussions for their choices. Ronna's decisions lead to life-threatening situations, presenting a stark portrayal of moral dilemmas young adults encounter. The theme speaks to how reckless choices in chaotic environments can result in devastating outcomes.

• consequences
• choices
• outcomes
• morality

Identity is explored through characters like Adam and Zack who struggle with their secret relationship amid societal expectations. Ronna grapples with self-worth as she adopts a new persona in the drug dealing world, reflecting the search for authenticity in a superficial society.

• identity
• self-worth
• authenticity
• persona

Ronna is an 18-year-old dropout who becomes embroiled in the drug dealing world. Portrayed by Sarah Polley, she is portrayed as both resourceful and desperate, navigating the perilous landscape of drug trafficking while grappling with the consequences of her choices. Her journey highlights youthful ambition gone awry.

• ronna
• sarah polley
• character
• protagonist

Adam and Zack are two characters involved in a secret romantic relationship. Adam, played by Scott Wolf, and Zack, portrayed by Jay Mohr, navigate the complexities of concealing their relationship while being drawn into the chaotic drug scene. Their choices under pressure lead to dire consequences, showcasing the tension between personal desires and external expectations.

• adam
• zack
• scott wolf
• jay mohr
• relationship

The film balances intense, high-stakes situations involving drug deals, police stings, and chaotic escapes with comedic levity. The tone is tense, underpinned by anxiety over reckless choices, but maintains irreverent humor and absurdity that prevents the subject matter from becoming overwhelmingly heavy.

• tone
• comedy
• thriller
• mood
• style

The film employs a non-linear, four-perspective structure that tells the story from different viewpoints. This narrative complexity requires audiences to piece together the frantic timeline, adding layers of mystery and tension as each perspective reveals new details about the same events.

• narrative
• structure
• non-linear
• storytelling

The contrast between Los Angeles and Las Vegas underscores the film's themes of excess and desperation. LA's underground party culture and drug dealing scene represents the initial temptation and entry into the criminal world, while Las Vegas amplifies the recklessness and pursuit of pleasure that leads to consequences.

• nightlife
• party culture
• las vegas
• los angeles

The ending is bittersweet. While Ronna narrowly avoids ruin and Mannie survives, the characters are left to contemplate the chaos they've endured. The resolution offers a glimmer of hope but doesn't provide complete redemption, leaving viewers with a sense of both relief and melancholy.

• ending
• conclusion
• bittersweet
• resolution