Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019) has generated a fair share of debate, with some viewers questioning whether it even has a story. On the surface, it seems to defy conventional narrative structures, which could lead some to believe it lacks a coherent plot. However, that perception may stem from Tarantino's unique approach to storytelling rather than the absence of a story altogether.
At its core, *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* is a deeply nostalgic look at late 1960s Los Angeles, focusing on the fading careers of actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Dalton struggles with insecurity and irrelevance in the changing Hollywood landscape, while Booth floats through life, maintaining a cool, detached presence. Running parallel to their storyline is the tragic historical backdrop of the Manson Family murders and their connection to actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), whose presence in the film symbolizes the innocence of Hollywood’s golden era.
Critics of the film argue that its meandering pace and lack of a clear, driving conflict make it feel like it lacks a traditional story. The movie is episodic, focusing on individual moments in the lives of the characters rather than building toward a specific resolution. For example, many scenes seem to exist solely to immerse the audience in the atmosphere of 1969 Los Angeles — such as Dalton filming a TV show or Booth driving around the city. These moments don’t always push the plot forward in obvious ways, leading some to feel that the film is more about mood than momentum.
Yet, this slow, observational style may be intentional. Tarantino appears less concerned with telling a tightly wound plot and more interested in creating a portrait of an era. The film’s central characters, Dalton and Booth, are emblematic of an industry on the brink of radical change, and the film’s "story" is, in many ways, about that change. By letting the camera linger on character interactions and daily routines, Tarantino invites the audience to experience a day in the life of fading Hollywood icons.
The film subtly builds tension as it weaves together Dalton’s fictional arc with the real-life horror of the Manson Family. This convergence reaches a climactic moment of violence at the end, a sudden twist that shocks viewers out of the film’s otherwise leisurely pace. It’s as if Tarantino is telling us that while the film meanders, life can take sharp and unexpected turns.
*Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* may not adhere to traditional storytelling techniques, but it doesn't mean it’s a film without a story. Instead, it offers a reflective, atmospheric narrative that challenges expectations. It’s a story about time, transition, and the inevitable end of Hollywood's golden age. Whether or not it “has a plot” may depend on one’s definition of a story. In Tarantino's hands, the journey — not just the destination — becomes the essence of the narrative.
