Inland Empire (2006)

In the kaleidoscopic world of film and illusion, Inland Empire presents an exhilarating journey of revelation and self-discovery. Nikki Grace, the reigning queen of the silver screen, finds herself caught in the intricate web of her most challenging role yet - Susan Blue. A role veiled in enigma and intertwined with a foreboding curse that has already claimed a life in its previous iteration, a doomed Polish production, "47". Unbeknownst to Nikki, her husband Piotrek is invested in this project for reasons beyond cinematic glory. His former wife, the Lost Girl, fell prey to the ominous curse and the spectral Phantom, and now remains trapped within its grasp. Piotrek believes that Nikki's acting prowess, her uncanny ability to transcend the boundaries of her characters, is the only key to rescue the Lost Girl. Despite the erratic director, a chaotic crew, and her initially dim co-star, Devon, Nikki plunges headfirst into her character. As Devon's scripted romantic gestures awaken parallels to her own life, Nikki's grip on reality begins to blur. She finds herself entangled in a passionate liaison with Devon, mirroring Susan's own scripted adventures, which further fuels her transformation into Susan Blue. Nikki's journey spirals down a rabbit hole where time and identity lose meaning. With each scene shot out of sequence, she gradually loses herself in the psychological maelstorm of her character, traversing through the various incarnations of Susan Blue, from the enigmatic "47" to the mysterious radio play "Axxon N". As Nikki morphs into Susan, she uncovers more about the Phantom and the curse, unknowingly racing against time and the Phantom himself to reach the Lost Girl. Amidst this labyrinth of reality and fiction, Piotrek, playing Susan's husband Smithy, clandestinely aids Nikki's journey, waiting for the opportune moment when the door to the Lost Girl opens. As Nikki delves deeper into her character, she must decipher the cryptic puzzle that is the curse, all while battling her own burgeoning feelings for Devon. The clock is ticking, and it's a race against the Phantom to save the Lost Girl and perhaps, herself.

Inland Empire is a horror movie featuring Laura Dern.

Inland Empire is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Inland Empire on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.