A Scanner Darkly (2006)

A Scanner Darkly (2006), directed and written by Richard Linklater and based on Philip K. Dick’s novel of the same name, tells the story of a United States that has failed in its fight against drugs. The country is plagued by Substance D, a potent drug that causes strange hallucinations and has resulted in approximately 20% of the population becoming addicted. In an effort to combat the epidemic, the government has implemented an extensive surveillance system and enlisted undercover agents and informants. One such agent is Bob Arctor, tasked with infiltrating the drug world and tracing it back to its source. Arctor himself is struggling with his double life as he attempts to maintain his cover while living with two fellow addicts, Luckman and Barris. Despite their constant use of D, they engage in deep discussions about their experiences that may border on paranoia. To protect their identities, all undercover agents including Arctor wear ‘scramble suits’ that alter their appearance and voice; even among themselves, they are only known by code names like ‘Fred’.

After going undercover, Arctor has developed an addiction to Substance D and regularly purchases it from Donna. He hopes to buy enough from her so she can help him meet her supplier. Despite their tense romantic relationship, Donna rejects his advances. At work, ‘Hank’ instructs ‘Fred’ to increase surveillance on Arctor and his associates. Now, Arctor’s own house is at the center of the investigation as he spends time there with Donna and other addicts. Juggling his double life is proving difficult for Arctor and his prolonged use of D is causing damage to his brain. Meanwhile, Barris is betraying Arctor to ‘Hank’, claiming he is a terrorist and trying to get hired as a cop himself. Unaware that Arctor is present in disguise behind his scramble suit, Barris unintentionally reveals this information.