Inherent Vice

In 1970, at a dilapidated beach house in Gordita Beach, Los Angeles, a young woman named Shasta Fay visits her ex-boyfriend Doc Sportello. She appears significantly transformed, notably with her hair cut short, which reflects the drastic changes in her life since they last met.

Shasta reveals to Doc that she is involved with Mickey Wolfmann, a wealthy real estate developer who is being threatened by his wife and her lover. She fears for her safety, believing that she is being watched due to the dangerous circumstances surrounding Mickey.

Mickey Wolfmann makes an appearance in a TV commercial that causes Doc, in his drug-induced haze, to perceive it as a confrontation with the police officer Bigfoot. This event sets up the tense relationships and impending conflicts within the narrative.

Prompted by narration from Sortilège, Doc reflects on his life and decides to make a change in his hairstyle. He ultimately adorns his new look with blue ribbons, representing his quirky nature and the overall loose vibe of the era.

Doc meets Tariq Khalil, who is involved with a Black Panther-like organization. Tariq employs Doc to locate Glen Charlock, one of Mickey's bodyguards, showcasing the intertwining of different social issues as they touch upon the displacement of Mexican families for Dodger Stadium.

While navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, Doc meets Jade, a prostitute offering dubious services in a brothel. This encounter further complicates his investigation as he inadvertently becomes a victim of violence at the hands of an unseen assailant.

Following his accidental demise, Doc is questioned by Det. Christian 'Bigfoot' Bjornsen. The interrogation oscillates between hostility and reluctant respect, highlighting the chaotic and absurd nature of the law enforcement involved in Doc's case.

Disguised as a patent lawyer, Doc infiltrates Mickey's residence, discovering a world of debauchery and shocking revelations about Shasta's involvement. This visit provides critical insights into the convoluted web of relationships and deceit surrounding Mickey.

At the police station, Doc encounters incompetent FBI agents questioning him about the suspicious disappearances. The absurdity of their interactions offers comic relief amidst the film's more serious undertones, emphasizing Doc's disdain for authority.

Doc receives a message from Jade concerning the Golden Fang, an enigmatic organization linked to Mickey's troubles. This revelation serves as a pivotal moment, steering Doc further into the tangled affairs he is trying to unravel.

Doc’s search leads him to the docks, where he uncovers the connections between the Golden Fang’s illegal operations and Mickey's precarious situation. The escalating danger adds a sense of urgency to Doc's investigation.

As his investigation unfolds, Doc becomes romantically entangled with Penny Kimball, complicating his already convoluted personal affairs. Their relationship pulls back the curtain on the deeper layers of character connections and the themes of love amid chaos.

In the film's climax, Shasta re-enters Doc's life, their relationship becoming central to the film’s resolution. Their reunion is marked by uncertainty, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of love amidst turbulent circumstances.

In the concluding moments of the film, Doc and Shasta take a final drive, representing both a journey toward potential reconciliation and an ambiguous future. The scene is layered with themes of uncertainty, leaving audiences contemplating the nature of their relationship.

The film ends with a witty exchange between Doc and Shasta, encapsulating the intricacies of love and loss. The cryptic phrase, 'Under the paving-stones, the beach!' invites viewers to reflect on the hidden complexities beneath the surface of their realities.