Year: 2003
Runtime: 101 min
Language: English
Director: Jonas Åkerlund
A young man battling addiction makes a fateful decision to embark on a three-day speed binge, plunging him into the chaotic world of Los Angeles's fringes. His reckless pursuit leads him to encounter a diverse group of outsiders, exposing the dark underbelly of the city. He must then face the harsh realities of his addiction and desperately seek a path to recovery before the consequences become irreversible.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Spun yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Get a spoiler-free look at Spun (2003) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the restless sprawl of Los Angeles, a city that never quite sleeps, a young man teeters on the edge of oblivion. Ross is a restless dreamer whose birthday becomes a catalyst for a reckless three‑day speed binge, pulling him deeper into the neon‑lit underbelly where time blurs and reality twists. The film opens with his decision to chase a fleeting high, framing a frantic odyssey that feels simultaneously urgent and suspended, as if the entire metropolis is holding its breath for the next pulse.
The world he plunges into is a kaleidoscope of dimly lit clubs, cramped motel rooms, and sun‑bleached streets where strangers barter, laugh, and mourn in equal measure. A constant hum of police radios and a wandering television crew lend a documentary‑like edge, while the city’s glittering façade masks a relentless, chaotic rhythm. The atmosphere is saturated with a gritty, hyper‑real energy that mirrors the protagonist’s own disorienting descent, weaving humor and horror into a single, breathless tapestry.
Within this whirlwind, Ross encounters a mishmash of outsiders—other addicts, weary lovers, and enigmatic dealers—each offering a fleeting glimpse of connection in a landscape of isolation. Their interactions are charged with fleeting intimacy and volatile tension, exposing the fragile bonds that hold together a life built on impulse. As he navigates calls from a caring mother, memories of an ex‑girlfriend, and the desperate pleas of new acquaintances, the film paints a portrait of a man caught between the yearning for redemption and the pull of his own self‑destructive habits.
The tone hovers between manic comedy and stark drama, a surreal ride that captures the intoxicating allure and the inevitable fallout of a world built on speed. It invites viewers to feel the dizzying rush of the streets, the pulsing beat of a city that both shelters and devours, leaving Ross—and the audience—wondering whether he can outrun the consequences long enough to find a sliver of hope.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 11:09
Don't stop at just watching — explore Spun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Spun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Spun, 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.
Track the full timeline of Spun with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Spun that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Spun (2003) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Spun (2003) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Spun (2003) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Spun – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Spin Me Round (2022) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Crank (2006) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Crash (1997) Full Summary & Key Details
Spinning Man (2018) Detailed Story Recap
Addicted (2014) Movie Recap & Themes
Where the Day Takes You (1992) Complete Plot Breakdown
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990) Film Overview & Timeline
Complete Strangers (2020) Film Overview & Timeline
Spree (2020) Complete Plot Breakdown
Addiction: A 60's Love Story (2015) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
40 Days and 40 Nights (2002) Detailed Story Recap
Les amants criminels (2000) Film Overview & Timeline
Zipper (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
How It All Went Down (2003) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Hardcore (1979) Story Summary & Characters