American Star was released in theaters and also digitally on January 26, 2024.[9] by
IFC Films.
Plot
Wilson, an aging
hitman (
Ian McShane) who grows tired of his violent life, heads to
Fuerteventura for a job. His target's absence leads him to a tranquil vacation, where he befriends Gloria, a bartender, and forms unexpected connections with the island's residents. As Wilson lets his guard down, the inevitable return to his profession disrupts the peaceful interlude.
The film was produced by both
Ian McShane and Michael Elliott.[12][13] It is a production by UK outfits Tamariska and Emu Films in association with Madrid-based Aquí y Allí Films and Cayuga Ficción.[14][15][16]
On December 12, 2023, the trailer for American Star was released by
IFC Films.[18]
Release
American Star was screened in New York City on January 18, 2024.[19] It was released in the United States on January 26, 2024.[20] It is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2024.[21]
Reception
On the
review aggregator website
Rotten Tomatoes, 77% of 30 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.5/10. The website's consensus reads: "Thanks in large part to the ever-watchable Ian McShane, American Star entertains as a slow-burning albeit somewhat standard thriller."[22]Metacritic, which uses a
weighted average, assigned the film a score of 66 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[23]
Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert.com rated the film 3 out of 4 stars, deeming it to be an "unusually intelligent and purposeful movie that doesn't say much, but is full of feeling".[11]