American Woman

         

      This excellent new drama from director Jake Scott, stars Sienna Miller in an amazing performance. Ms. Miller stars as Deb, a single mom raising her teen daughter and baby grandson. Unforeseen circumstances force her to make difficult decisions as her life takes an unexpected turn.

       Ms. Miller’s performance makes the ordinary rather extraordinary and it’s easily the best acting of her career. She is joined by Christina Hendricks as her sister, Aaron Paul as a love interest, Amy Madigan as her mother and Will Sasso as her brother-in-law, Terry. Ms. Hendricks and Mr. Sasso are just wonderful and the family dynamic is so authentic, you feel like you’re watching a documentary, rather than a scripted drama.

        Mr. Scott uses interesting transitions, fades and edits to show the passage of time as the film plays out over eleven years. The emotional work he brings out from his cast is easily felt by the audience.

          This is a strong domestic drama that would probably play better in the fall rather the start of the summer movie season. If you are a fan of superb acting and a smart script, seek out the film before it gets lost in all the gunfire, explosions and spandex of the summer “popcorn” films.