Less Than Zero
A college freshman returns to Los Angeles for Christmas at his ex-girlfriend's request, but discovers that his former best friend has an out-of-control drug habit.
Critics Sentiment
Julian suffers through overdose and brutal withdrawal symptoms
Julian dies from heart failure during the desert drive
The film peaks with Julian's raw withdrawal scenes praised for their authenticity, then crashes to its lowest point with his death which critics found poorly executed despite being emotionally devastating.
Less Than Zero divides critics between appreciation for its visual style and Robert Downey Jr.'s powerful performance versus disappointment in its conventional Hollywood approach to the source material. The film starts moderately with striking 80s atmosphere but becomes most compelling during Julian's tragic descent into addiction and prostitution. However, the ending's optimistic resolution feels forced and undermines the darker themes.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 37
Andrew McCarthy
Clay
Jami Gertz
Blair
Robert Downey Jr.
Julian
James Spader
Rip
Tony Bill
Bradford Easton
Nicholas Pryor
Benjamin Wells
Donna Mitchell
Elaine Easton
Michael Bowen
Hop
Sarah Buxton
Markie
Lisanne Falk
Patti
Michael Greene
Robert Wells
Neith Hunter
Alana
Afton Smith
Kim
Brian Wimmer
Trent
Kelly Wolf
Lile
David Colby
Kid #3
Anthony Kiedis
Musician #3
Flea
Musician #1
Brittain Frye
Teenager #2
Afrika Islam
D. J.
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
