Andrew Garfield Netflix thriller fans have a reason to celebrate, as the actor’s enigmatic film Under the Silver Lake is now available to watch on Netflix. The movie, which presents a complex blend of genres and has sparked intense discussion among viewers, is gaining new attention and drawing in a larger audience.
A Different Side of Andrew Garfield’s Filmography
Best recognized for his role as Spider-Man in Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man films, Andrew Garfield has continually demonstrated range by portraying real-life figures such as World War II medic Desmond Doss in Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge and playwright Jonathan Larson in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tick, Tick… Boom! Both outstanding performances earned Garfield Oscar nominations for best actor. Amidst these major titles, many missed his turn in the 2018 film Under the Silver Lake, which is currently attracting new viewers thanks to its availability on Netflix.
An Intricate Mystery Set in Los Angeles
Directed and written by David Robert Mitchell, Under the Silver Lake initially passed under the radar upon its 2018 debut, released by indie studio A24. The movie skillfully mixes elements of surrealism, neo-noir, black comedy, and thriller, resulting in a viewing experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Garfield takes on the role of Sam, a thirty-something drifter in Los Angeles whose life shifts dramatically when his neighbor Sarah, played by Riley Keough, disappears without warning. Fueled by his tendency to see conspiracy theories in everyday life, Sam’s determination propels him into an elaborate search for answers.
When Sarah and her friends abruptly leave their apartment, Sam commits himself to uncovering the reasons behind their disappearance. As he follows clues across Los Angeles, Sam encounters various underground rituals and cryptic individuals connected to Sarah and her roommates. The film is laden with hidden symbols and puzzling codes, encouraging both Sam and viewers to solve the mystery as the story unfolds.
Cult Status and Secret Codes Behind the Hype
Over the past several years, Under the Silver Lake has secured a devoted cult following. This surge in popularity comes despite, or perhaps because of, its divisive reception at launch — the film holds a 58% critic score and the same audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the Popcornmeter. As more people give the film a chance, often revisiting it multiple times, a dedicated fanbase has emerged—one that finds excitement in director David Robert Mitchell’s bold creative choices.
Part of the film’s mystique lies in Mitchell’s own admissions: he intentionally embedded secret codes and mysteries within the movie for attentive viewers to discover. This has given rise to an active subreddit where amateur sleuths analyze everything from Morse code hidden in fireworks to enigmatic messages scrawled on everyday objects. While some argue the film’s lesson might be not to take every hidden detail too seriously, the ongoing wave of fan theorizing has helped keep Under the Silver Lake alive and relevant. Rather than being a cult hit due to notorious flaws, the film’s passionate and analytical community points to its underlying quality and enduring intrigue.
What This Means for Viewers on Netflix
The arrival of Under the Silver Lake on Netflix brings the opportunity for a wider audience to experience the film’s unconventional narrative and unravel its intricate secrets. With Andrew Garfield anchoring the story with a compelling performance, viewers are invited into a cinematic puzzle that rewards both casual audiences and passionate theorists. As fans continue to discuss and decode the film’s mysteries, its place among memorable cult movies is likely to grow even stronger in the streaming era.
