Southland Tales

Southland Tales

Year: 2007

Runtime: 145 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Kelly

Sci-FiDramaThrillerComedy

In a near-future Los Angeles grappling with impending disaster, social unrest, and economic instability, a group of disparate individuals finds their lives intertwined. Over three days leading up to a major holiday, Boxer Santaros, Krysta Now, and Roland Taverner confront amnesia, the pervasive influence of reality television, and complex conspiracies. As the city hurtles towards chaos, revelations emerge that have the potential to drastically alter their understanding of reality and the future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Southland Tales (2007)

Trace every key event in Southland Tales (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nuclear Attacks

On July 4, 2005, twin nuclear attacks devastate the Texas towns of El Paso and Abilene. This catastrophic event leads to widespread destruction and the deaths of thousands, throwing the nation into chaos.

July 4, 2005 El Paso and Abilene, Texas
2

Nation in Hysteria

In the aftermath of the attacks, the United States plunges into a state of hysteria and disorder. The catastrophic events prompt a grim realization of what the nation has become amidst the ongoing War on Terror.

3

Reintroduction of the Draft

As global tensions rise, the government reintroduces the draft, generating fear and confusion among citizens. This drastic measure signifies the lengths to which the government is willing to go in response to the escalating crisis.

4

US-IDent Surveillance

The newly authorized surveillance agency, US-IDent, begins to monitor citizens extensively as part of the PATRIOT Act measures. This ensues a significant erosion of personal freedoms as citizens are subjected to constant scrutiny.

5

Internet Censorship

In an alarming turn of events, the government enforces censorship of the Internet as part of its security measures. Citizens now face restrictions on accessing information, impacting their ability to communicate and organize.

6

Introduction of Fluid Karma

In response to energy shortages from ongoing global warfare, the German company Treer develops the Fluid Karma generator. This innovative technology harnesses ocean currents, presenting a potential solution to the prevailing energy crisis.

7

The Secret of Fluid Karma

Despite its promising potential, the Fluid Karma technology harbors a dangerous secret. Its inventor, Baron von Westphalen, conceals the truth that it disrupts ocean currents and God forbid, even slows down Earth's rotation.

8

Rifts in Space and Time

As Fluid Karma is transmitted to receivers using quantum entanglement, catastrophic rifts in space and time begin to emerge. This developing crisis presents a dire threat to the fabric of reality itself, endangering the existence of the world.

9

Dystopian Los Angeles

By the year 2008, Los Angeles transforms into a dystopian landscape known as 'The Southland.' The city teeters on the brink of collapse, plagued by the rise of a powerful underground neo-Marxist organization.

2008 Los Angeles
10

Intersecting Lives

Among the chaos, central characters like Boxer Santaros, a disoriented action film star, and Krysta Now, a psychic former porn star, navigate their tumultuous lives. Their paths intertwine, revealing the larger narrative themes of desperation and hope.

11

The Taverner Twins

Boxer learns of the Taverner twins, Roland and Ronald, whose identities are linked to a larger destiny. The shocking truth surfaces that they are actually the same person, a consequence of a rift in space-time caused by the Fluid Karma technology.

12

Boxer's Prophetic Screenplay

In a twist of fate, Boxer Santaros becomes the most wanted man on the planet, holding a prophetic screenplay. This screenplay eerily foretells the end of the world, marking him as a pivotal figure in a chaotic narrative.

13

Quest for Truth

As the story unfolds, the character's intertwining fates paint a vivid picture of the quest for truth amidst chaos. The underlying themes reflect the enduring human spirit in the face of potential apocalypse.

Last Updated: February 04, 2025 at 09:32

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Southland Tales Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Southland Tales, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Southland Tales Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Southland Tales

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Southland Tales. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Southland Tales

More About Southland Tales

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More About Southland Tales

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