"Americana" is a gripping drama that masterfully intertwines rich storytelling with powerful performances, notably from Sydney Sweeney as Penny Jo Poplin and Simon Rex as Roy Lee Dean. The narrative centers on the discovery of a rare Lakota Ghost Shirt in the black market of a small South Dakota town, setting off intense and violent interactions among local outsiders and outcasts. The show stands out for its raw emotional tone and vivid portrayal of marginalized communities, enhanced by striking visuals that capture the rugged landscape and the haunting symbolism of the Ghost Shirt. "Americana" is especially compelling for viewers who appreciate character-driven stories with cultural depth and social commentary. It's best suited for audiences interested in thought-provoking dramas that explore identity, heritage, and the consequences of historical artifacts in modern society.
Critics' Reviews
50
Set in a small South Dakota town, the story revolves around a Ghost Shirt, an artifact of immense symbolic power to the Indigenous Lakota people who still reside in the area. To them, the shirt is priceless but to others, in particular to sleazy antiquities dealer Roy Lee Dean (Simon Rex), it is worth a lot of money. And since it is currently in the hands of rich bigwig Pendleton Duvall (Toby Huss), Dean hires local thug Dillon (Eric Dane) to steal it, which he does in the middle of a discussion at Duvall's house that turns into a bloodbath.
Main Cast of Americana
Sydney Sweeney
Penny Jo Poplin
In the film 'Americana,' Sydney Sweeney delivers a captivating performance as Penny Jo Poplin, portraying a character imbued with both vulnerability and resilience. Her nuanced portrayal stands out when compared to her roles in series like '
Euphoria,' where she often embodies more complex and edgy personas. This role allowed Sweeney to showcase a softer, more grounded side of her acting range, highlighting her versatility. A trivia fact about her role in 'Americana' is that she insisted on performing many of her own stunts to bring authenticity to Penny Jo Poplin's adventurous spirit.
Simon Rex
Roy Lee Dean
Simon Rex starred in the movie 'Americana' where his performance was widely praised for its authenticity and raw emotional depth. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to seamlessly blend humor with vulnerability, bringing a multifaceted character to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Rex improvised several key scenes during filming, which were so compelling that the director decided to keep them in the final cut, adding to the film's genuine and spontaneous feel.
Halsey
Mandy Starr
In the movie 'Americana,' Halsey takes on a compelling acting role that marks a significant expansion of their artistic repertoire beyond music. Known primarily as a singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice and deeply personal lyrics, Halsey's performance in 'Americana' showcases their versatility and depth as a performer. This role stands out because it allowed Halsey to explore complex emotional narratives within a cinematic context, contrasting with their earlier music-focused work. The nuanced portrayal in the film highlights their ability to convey vulnerability and strength on screen, enriching their career by adding acting credentials to their already impressive musical achievements.
Crew of Americana
Full backstage crew list →