The Salton Sea is a neo-noir crime thriller film directed by D.J. Caruso, starring Val Kilmer as the protagonist, Tom Van Allen, who is grieving the loss of his wife. Tom, a former trumpet player, becomes addicted to methamphetamine as a way of coping with his loss. His life takes a turn when he is recruited by LAPD officers to infiltrate a drug ring responsible for his wife's murder.
Tom adopts a new identity, "Danny Parker", and befriends Jimmy "The Finn" (played by Peter Sarsgaard), who introduces him to the drug world. Together, they plan to rob a drug dealer named Pooh-Bear, played by rapper-turned-actor Doug E. Doug. However, their plan goes awry, and they are pursued by both the police and the drug cartel.
Throughout the film, Tom also develops a relationship with his neighbor, Colette (played by Deborah Kara Unger), who is struggling with her own demons. Together, they share a common goal of redemption and overcoming their past mistakes.
The film features a non-linear storytelling style, jumping back and forth between the present and the past, revealing new pieces of information that connect various characters and events. It also has a strong visual aesthetic, with gritty and stylized cinematography, and a dark, moody soundtrack.
Overall, The Salton Sea is a gripping and intense film that explores themes of grief, addiction, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. It received generally positive reviews from critics, praising Kilmer's performance and the film's unique approach to storytelling.