The Forgotten Sci-Fi Thriller Overshadowed by The Matrix Is Now Streaming on Netflix

There was a time when cinema was saturated with a specific flavor of crime caper. Following the explosive success of Pulp Fiction in 1994, a wave of imitators flooded the market, giving character actors the chance to revel in sharp dialogue, erratic behavior, and pop-culture-obsessed monologues while spiraling into criminal mischief. This trend became as quintessential to the 1990s cultural landscape as the grunge movement or the 16-bit console wars.

Released in 1999, Go remains a criminally underrated gem of that era. It’s a stylish, post-Tarantino caper featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast navigating a chaotic, interconnected web of petty crimes and yuletide disasters in Los Angeles. If you’re searching for a frantic comedy of errors to liven up your weekend, Go is currently streaming on Netflix and well worth the watch.

While Go has earned its status as a cult classic, its theatrical release was hindered by unfortunate timing. Arriving in theaters just over a week after the monumental debut of The Matrix in April 1999, the film struggled to find its footing. It garnered respectable reviews and modest box office returns, but it was effectively overshadowed by the cultural juggernaut that followed.

Structured as an anthology with three overlapping threads, Go draws heavy inspiration from both Pulp Fiction and Jim Jarmusch’s Mystery Train.

The first act introduces Ronna (Sarah Polley), an impoverished supermarket cashier facing eviction who finds herself out of her depth after an impulsive attempt to broker a drug deal. In the second segment, soap opera actors Adam and Zack (Scott Wolf and Jay Mohr) trade their legal troubles for a sting operation, only to find themselves ensnared by Ronna’s desperation. The final story centers on Ronna’s colleague Simon (Desmond Askew), whose Las Vegas getaway devolves into a frantic flight from vengeful bouncers.

These stories collide during a wild, all-night rave in Los Angeles, weaving together a high-velocity narrative that remains remarkably tight despite its sprawling cast. The film’s success relies on its brisk pacing, sharp wit, and standout early performances from actors who were on the cusp of stardom.

Looking back, Go serves as a “who’s who” of talent before they hit the big time. It features a fascinating turn from Timothy Olyphant as an unsettling dealer, alongside appearances by Melissa McCarthy, Jane Krakowski, Katie Holmes, Breckin Meyer, and an effortlessly charismatic Taye Diggs.

Ultimately, Go functions as a swan song for the 1990s indie crime wave. Following the massive shift toward the techno-infused, stylized action cinema of the early 2000s—typified by The Matrix and Blade—the quirky, ground-level crime caper gradually faded from view. Go stands as a brilliant final flourish for the genre: a hilarious, fast-paced, and masterfully crafted romp that deserves its place in your watchlist.

Source: Polygon