Thescreescore – Sydney Sweeney, the cinematic chameleon who’s captivated audiences from the nostalgic angst of Everything Sucks! to the chilling intensity of The Handmaid’s Tale, has once again proven her versatility. Her latest venture, Americana, a crime thriller directed by Tony Tost (creator of Damnation and showrunner for Poker Face season 2), isn’t just a film; it’s a statement. A bold, Quentin Tarantino-esque plunge into the dark heart of a South Dakota town, Americana has shattered a significant Rotten Tomatoes streak for the rising star.
Sweeney’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. From her breakout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus (earning her Emmy nominations for both) to her recent turns in Reality, Anyone But You, Madame Web, and Immaculate, she’s consistently defied genre expectations. Yet, her previous films haven’t always resonated with audiences, resulting in a string of less-than-stellar Rotten Tomatoes scores.
Enter Americana. This gritty neo-western, boasting a stellar ensemble cast including Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Eric Dane, and Zahn McClarnon, has defied the odds. With a 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 50+ verified ratings), Americana marks a significant turning point. It’s a testament to Sweeney’s willingness to take risks and embrace challenging roles, proving that her gamble on this unique project has paid off handsomely.
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While critics gave Americana a slightly more reserved 67%, audience enthusiasm is undeniable. The film’s originality, its quirky characters, and Sweeney’s commanding performance are drawing comparisons to the works of Tarantino and the Coen brothers. Despite its modest box office performance to date (less than $500,000), Americana is generating significant buzz, proving that quality storytelling can still find its audience. This isn’t just a win for Sweeney; it’s a win for independent cinema and a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones less traveled.
Americana
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Runtime: 110 minutes
Director: Tony Tost
Writers: Tony Tost
Producers: Aaron L. Gilbert, Michael R. Williams, Terry Dougas, Ali Jazayeri, Jason Cloth, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Steven Thibault, Alex Saks, David Gendron, Jean-Luc De Fanti, Suraj Maraboyina, Bavand Karim
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