Watch American Night

American Night is a 2021 thriller directed by Alessio Della Valle with an impressive cast including Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emile Hirsch, and Paz Vega. The film follows the intense, captivating journey of three individuals whose paths cross in the middle of the night in Los Angeles. Set in a city known for its darkness and glamour, American Night provides a glimpse of the different layers of LA's society, where dreams and desperation intertwine. The movie begins with Michael (Emile Hirsch), who's recently released from prison, trying to make a new start in life. He's broke, jobless, and his wife has left him. In his search for money, he runs into Clarence (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a mysterious, wealthy businessman who seems to have everything, except for a woman who's not afraid of him.

When Michael accepts a job offer from Clarence to drive him around the city in his luxurious car, he discovers that his passenger's interests are not entirely legal. As the ride progresses, Michael becomes increasingly aware that his life is in danger as he becomes embroiled in Clarence's illicit affairs.

On this turbulent night, they meet Veronica (Paz Vega), a Spanish actress who's also struggling to overcome her own barriers. Their fates become entwined as they navigate the complex web of deceit, betrayal, and violence. The tension rapidly increases as the story unfolds and the trio must come together to survive the long, dark night ahead of them.

American Night is a heavy, brooding film that isn't afraid to pull punches. The stark, gritty visuals convey the inherent danger and beauty of Los Angeles at night, where every corner possesses the potential for danger. The film's score adds another layer of depth, with each pulse-pounding track heightening the sense of desperation.

The writing in American Night is intense and visceral, making the audience feel like they're sitting right in the car with Michael and Clarence, watching their moral compasses shift as the situation becomes increasingly dire. The storyline never slows down, and the pacing masterfully builds up the tension to a stunning, if violent, conclusion.

The performances are top-notch, with Emile Hirsch delivering a standout turn as the protagonist, Michael. Hirsch's portrayal of someone trying to put his past behind him and build a new life in a corrupt city is quietly poignant, and he brings a raw vulnerability to the role that makes his character easily empathizable. Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Clarence is an enigmatic, riveting character whose wealth and power give him an air of danger. Paz Vega's Veronica is the antithesis of Clarence's malice, a character who possesses an inner strength that's belied by her outer beauty.

In summary, American Night is a brutally honest portrayal of the dark underbelly of LA, where people can either be weakened or strengthened by their past. It's a gripping, unsettling thriller that should appeal to fans of similarly intense movies like Drive, Collateral, or Nightcrawler. It showcases a city that's as alluring as it can be dangerous, where the unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye. The stunning performances combined with the top-notch filmmaking make American Night a must-watch film of 2021.

American Night is a 2021 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.