Review of 'American Star'

An aging assassin, Wilson (Ian McShane), is sent to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura to kill a man. Discovering the man will not be there for a few days he checks into a local hotel where he strikes up an off-beat relationship with Max (Oscar Coleman), a young boy who often finds himself alone, escaping his parent's fighting or his father's snoring. Visiting a local bar he meets bartender Gloria (Nora Arnezeder) who suggests he visit the wreck of the “American Star” cruise ship on the far side of the island. While driving there he is unexpectedly met by his “nephew” Ryan (Adam Nagaitis). As Gloria and Wilson strike up a quiet, pleasant relationship things take a turn for the worse when Ryan reveals a secret about Gloria and the target returns home…

A slow-paced film that I had a hard time liking. We see a lot of Fuerteventura which appears to be mostly dessert and not a lot else (unlike Tenerife) so it is not exactly exciting. Even the enthusiasm of Gloria for swimming and the suggestion it is “paradise” does not entirely convince. McShane is brilliant as the cool, yet oddly human, hitman who insists on wearing his suit at all times and revealing very little of his dark past though, oddly, it does not seem to matter too much. He is great in this role picking up from his other great performance in Deadwood as “Al Swearengen” a rather cool (and very sweary) customer there as well…all a far cry from his break-out hit as loveable rogue Lovejoy in the TV series of the same name. I have to say that Nora Arnezeder is amazing as Gloria who seems a bit too frenetic, perhaps at the brink of insanity. There is something in her eyes that intrigues and slightly terrifies at the same time.

“American Star” is an atmospheric film that spends a lot of time with little or no dialogue, instead letting the character's body language do the talking or taking in the scenery instead. Having said that, when things happen, they happen quickly and unexpectedly – The ending is quite a shock despite not being too much of a surprise…if that makes any sense at all. Do not go into this film expecting to see a lot of action though, this is all about melodrama delivered at a leisurely, sedate pace.

Interesting film featuring the brilliant Ian McShane in a generally quiet, contemplative film that has the occasional outburst of violence and emotion that shocks…with an intriguing ending. Many will find it boring and it is definitely NOT one for younger viewers.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2026-08-02

Directed by: Gonzalo López-Gallego

Studio: Head Gear Films

Year: 2024

Length: 107 minutes

Genre: Melodrama

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19984386/