Critique of “American Woman” (2019): A Movie Review

Hard luck family dramas can be notoriously manipulative in their emotional impact. When done well, with the right balance of pathos and reality, such melodramas are able to resonate and transcend their soapy limitations. Jake Scott, director/co-writer of Welcome to the Rileys, oversees American Woman. This is an authentic, blue-collar family-related tale that captures the despair and heartbreak of a woman who has been broken and on the verge of hopelessness. Sienna Miller’s career-making performance in the film, “The catcher was a spy“, is a deeply probing, introspective work. Miller’s performance as a tortured soul trapped in limbo deserves Oscar consideration. Miller plays Deb Callahan. She is a 32 year old, low-paid retailer who lives with her daughter Bridget, 17, (Sky Ferreira from “Elvis & Nixon“), and Bridget’s son Jesse, an infant. Deb Callahan is a free-spirited (or loose cannon, to some) woman who roams her small Pennsylvanian town. Deb is an acid-tongued, chain-smoking shrew who has a questionable reputation. She gave birth to Bridget at age 16, and over the years has been an embarrassment to her Irish Catholic family. Deb is also dating a married guy and doesn’t care about flaunting her relationship around town. Deb is clearly devoted to the daughter she has raised, and offers her unconditional support. Deb’s life takes a bad turn when Bridget leaves her home without returning to pick up her son Jesse. Deb is alarmed when Bridget asks her to babysit her son Jesse and never returns home. She consults with her sister Katherine (Christina Hendricks in “Fistfight“), as well as her mother Peggy, (Amy Madigan in “Rules Don’t Apply“), about the disappearance of her daughter. Deb stormtroops to Bridget’s ex-boyfriend (the father of Bridget’s grandson’s) house for more information. The police are finally notified. Officially, it is done. . . Deb is finally brought to the edge of her own destruction in a new capacity. Deb, feeling defeated and depressed accuses Katherine and her friends of believing they are better than she is. Eventually, Deb’s suicidal thoughts get the better of her. Deb, it seems, is left to raise her grandson Jesse alone. She is not prepared for this. We witness Deb’s struggles and temporary victories as she raises Jesse, despite the pain of losing Bridget. Deb’s downfall includes her decision to be a kept wife for an abusive, live-in partner. She is closer to her family, and enrolls in a community college for self-improvement. Katherine also encourages Deb to form a relationship with Terry’s (Will Sasso ” Super Troopers 2” co-worker Chris Aaron Paul ” Eye in the Sky) coworker Chris. Deb’s mood is improving, but she hasn’t yet overcome her detachment. We see how this woman grows stronger and more confident, even though the chips are still not in place. American Woman, a riveting and deeply touching book about troubled femininity, is an insightful look at the journey a woman takes to become independent in the face mental turmoil. Miller’s unmistakable grasp of Deb Callahan makes for a truly amazing experience. She is sour and uncouth yet vulnerable and empathetic. Miller does a great job of portraying a mother/grandmother that is both confused and determined. Hendricks, whose sister Katherine is determined to comfort and guide her, also gives a fine performance. Madigan, a veteran actress, is a welcome addition to the cast as the motherly figurehead of these two daughters. Sasso complements Hendricks in a positive way as Katherine, the level-headed character. Paul, the charming, but a little sneaky Chris, is added to the mix. Aidan Fiske, the older Jesse, brings genuine angst to the role. American Woman affirms, with a startling revelation, that despite perceived weakness, it can be transformed into resilience through trials and tribulations.