Nowhere 1997
Directed by
Gregg Araki
Made by
Fine Line Features
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Nowhere (1997). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A glimpse into the chaotic world of Dark Smith (played by James Duval), an introspective 18-year-old high school film enthusiast in Los Angeles, reveals his surreal quest to find true love amid the impending doom he feels is approaching. Battling his feelings of alienation and the nagging constraints of living with his working-class mother (Beverly D’Angelo), Dark is drawn to Mel (portrayed by Rachel True), a complex bisexual young woman who struggles to fully commit to any relationship as she splits her affections between Dark and her vibrant girlfriend Lucifer (played by Kathleen Robertson), who has a penchant for the outrageous.
On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, he joins Mel and Lucifer in Mel’s car as they set off to their local coffeehouse, The Hole, where they frequently gather for breakfast. They pick up Montgomery (deftly represented by Nathan Bexton), a captivatingly beautiful boy with a mesmerizing dual-colored gaze, adding another layer to Dark’s emotional turmoil.
At The Hole, Dark has a deep conversation with his close friend, a queer rock star named Cowboy (depicted by Guillermo Diaz), who is grappling with his own woes, especially concerning his partner, Bart (Jeremy Jordan), who is spiraling into a destructive lifestyle with the trouble-making drug dealer Handjob (Alan Boyce). Meanwhile, the trio of girls including the witty Dingbat (played by Christina Applegate), crafty Alyssa (portrayed by Jordan Ladd), and the timid Polly, affectionately nicknamed Egg (Sarah Lassez), spice up the mix with their spirited plans for a kick-the-can game later that night.
As the friends make their preparations for the evening’s festivities, a notable moment unfolds when Egg is swept off her feet in the girls’ restroom by a Teen Idol (Jaason Simmons), who, unbeknownst to her, harbors dark intentions. Simultaneously, romantic tensions flare amongst the group, particularly between Ducky (Scott Caan), Egg’s brother, and Alyssa, who is inexorably drawn to a charming yet dangerous fellow named Elvis (Thyme Lewis).
The day escalates dangerously when Dark witnesses a bizarre alien incident while waiting at a bus stop, and Egg’s dreamlike encounter devolves into a nightmare, reflecting the film’s gripping climax of chaos and desperation. The evening morphs into a surreal kick-the-can game, brimming with hallucinations and anxiety, culminating in yet another supernatural sighting by Dark.
As tensions peak at a raging party hosted by the enigmatic Jujyfruit (Gibby Haynes), tragedy strikes for Bart and Egg, as they each succumb to their harrowing experiences, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Amidst this swirling mix of romance, dread, and teenage angst, the darkness only deepens when Montgomery, who has his own share of alien encounters, shockingly reappears at Dark’s home, leading to a grisly revelation that leaves Dark utterly shattered.
As he grapples with despair, facing the losses of friends and the horrifying events that have unfolded, Dark is left to confront his reality while the sun sets over the horizon, hinting at a chilling and uncertain future. In the end, he is blighted by the haunting chaos, closed off from hope as he clings to the remnants of what was once his youthful desire for love and connection.
Timeline
Track the key events of Nowhere (1997) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Dark Smith
Dark Smith, an introspective 18-year-old film enthusiast, navigates life in Los Angeles. Despite his passion for movies, he feels increasingly isolated in the world around him due to the looming sense of doom he cannot shake off.
Dark's Attraction to Mel
Dark becomes captivated by Mel, a complex young woman torn between her feelings for him and her girlfriend Lucifer. This emotional tug-of-war adds to Dark's existing feelings of alienation, complicating his search for genuine connection.
The Trip to The Hole
On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, Dark joins Mel and Lucifer in a car ride to their local coffeehouse known as The Hole. This outing foreshadows the relationships and events that will unfold throughout the day.
Meeting Montgomery
The group picks up Montgomery, a strikingly beautiful boy with dual-colored eyes, adding complexity to Dark's emotional journey. Montgomery's presence magnifies Dark's inner turmoil as he navigates his feelings for Mel.
Deep Conversation with Cowboy
At The Hole, Dark engages in a meaningful conversation with Cowboy, a successful rock star grappling with his partner Bart's destructive lifestyle. Their dialogue highlights themes of lost love and personal struggles that resonate throughout the film.
Plans for the Evening
While at The Hole, the group starts planning for a kick-the-can game later that evening. This innocent fun contrasts sharply with the dark events that will soon unfold, adding a layer of irony to the excursion.
Egg's Encounter
In the girls' restroom, Egg is swept off her feet by a Teen Idol, unaware of his sinister nature. This encounter marks a shift in Egg's story arc, leading to unexpected and dire consequences.
Romantic Tensions Erupt
As preparations for the evening continue, romantic tensions flare among the group. Ducky's growing interest in Alyssa and her attraction to the dangerous Elvis add layers of complexity to their dynamics.
Bizarre Alien Incident
While waiting at a bus stop, Dark witnesses a strange alien occurrence that heightens his feelings of unease and foreshadows further chaos. This event marks a turning point in the narrative, blending the mundane with the surreal.
Kick-the-Can Game Turns Surreal
What begins as a simple kick-the-can game swiftly devolves into a nightmarish experience filled with hallucinations and anxiety. Dark's growing paranoia is palpably reflected in the chaotic atmosphere of the game.
Party at Jujyfruit's
The friends attend a wild party hosted by the eccentric Jujyfruit, where emotions run high. Amidst the revelry, tragedy ensues as Bart and Egg succumb to the overwhelming pressures and addictive influences surrounding them.
Catastrophic Outcomes
The events at the party lead to devastating consequences for both Bart and Egg. Their downfalls serve as poignant reminders of the darker undercurrents that affect the youth in their circle.
Montgomery's Shocking Return
In a haunting twist, Montgomery reappears at Dark's home, bringing with him a revelation that plunges Dark into despair. This moment solidifies the film’s central themes of loss and the fragility of youth.
Confronting Reality
As the film draws to a close, Dark is left to confront the harsh reality of his life. The losses of his friends weigh heavily on him, and he is overcome by the chaos that has unfolded throughout the day.
Search for Hope
In the aftermath, Dark clings to the fragmented memories of his youthful aspirations for love and connection. The film ends on a somber note, illustrating his struggle to find hope in a world overshadowed by darkness.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Nowhere (1997) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Dark Smith (James Duval)
Dark is an introspective 18-year-old film enthusiast grappling with feelings of alienation while on a quest for love. His character embodies the confusion and emotional depths of adolescence, as he navigates relationships and the looming sense of doom surrounding him.
Mel (Rachel True)
Mel is a complex bisexual young woman torn between her affections for Dark and her girlfriend, Lucifer. Her struggle to commit highlights her duality and the challenges faced in modern relationships, reflecting both emotional depth and the vibrancy of youth.
Lucifer (Kathleen Robertson)
Lucifer is Mel's vibrant girlfriend known for her outrageous personality. She adds an element of excitement and challenge to Mel's life, as their relationship dynamics explore the fluidity of love and commitment among young adults.
Cowboy (Guillermo Diaz)
Cowboy is a queer rock star and Dark's close friend, embodying both charisma and vulnerability. His struggles with personal woes and relationships add a layer of depth to the film, showcasing the complex lives of those around Dark.
Egg (Sarah Lassez)
Egg, affectionately known as Polly, is timid yet full of life, bringing a spirited energy to the friends' group. Her romantic entanglements and whimsical nature contribute to the film's exploration of teenage love and vulnerability.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Nowhere (1997), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, during the typical lives of teenagers exploring love, identity, and the challenges that accompany their youth. It reflects the modern social dynamics and existential struggles faced by young adults today.
Location
Los Angeles, The Hole
Los Angeles serves as the vibrant backdrop for this chaotic tale, known for its diverse culture and artistic atmosphere. The Hole, a local coffeehouse, acts as a central hub where friends gather to seek comfort and connection in the midst of their turbulent lives.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Nowhere (1997). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Despair
The movie delves into the complexities of love and the accompanying feelings of despair experienced by the characters. As Dark navigates his longing for Mel, the chaotic relationships and tragic events unfold, accentuating the emotional turmoil inherent in seeking connection during tumultuous times.
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Alienation
Alienation is a prominent theme, as Dark grapples with feelings of isolation in a bustling world around him. The film captures the challenge of finding one’s place in society, compounded by the pressures of adolescence and the influence of external circumstances on personal relationships.
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Surrealism
The surreal elements throughout the narrative amplify the characters' emotional experiences, blending reality with imagination. Dark's encounters with aliens and the dreamlike sequences reflect his internal chaos and the struggle to differentiate between fantasy and the grim challenges of life.
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