Ghost Shirts, Dolly Dreams, and Dusty Roads: “Americana” Rides a Crooked Trail

Plot & Overall Impressions

Americana, Tony Tost’s debut feature directed and written by himself, lands squarely within that unpredictable modern-day Western–crime–dramedy mash-up. With a storyline built around a sacred Lakota “ghost shirt” spilling into the black market, it draws in a ragtag cast of South Dakota outsiders. The premise—quirky, bold, and rife with narrative potential—is as American as it gets: a waitress dreaming of Dolly Parton stardom (Sydney Sweeney) teaming up with a lovelorn, nearly mythic veteran (Paul Walter Hauser), while other figures orbit greed, survival, and cultural redemption.

Yet, where the film tripwires is in its tonal balance. It flits between whimsy, crime caper absurdity, and cultural commentary with uneven rhythm—sometimes landing a clever Western nod, and other times straining for quirk. Critics say it feels like a collage of early Tarantino or Coen Brothers throwbacks—without the swagger or depth.

Acting: Hits and Misses

Sydney Sweeney anchors the film with a dual-lane performance: a shy waitress with a fire in her heart. Her Penny Jo Poplin is part country dreamer, part reluctant outlaw, and part heart-on-her-sleeve. She brings a sincerity and pathos that you instinctively want to root for—bringing a grounding clarity to a film that otherwise risks spinning off-center.

Paul Walter Hauser’s Lefty, the veteran turned unexpected sheriff of emotional stakes, pairs well with Sweeney—in moments they feel like the heart of the story. Critics highlight their chemistry and Hauser’s soulfulness.

Halsey as Mandy Starr and Zahn McClarnon as Ghost Eye bring texture—layered and fractured characters seeking more than just ancient artifacts. But some say their arcs were underwritten, lost in the dusty swirl of genre nods and tonal misfires.

Critical Commentary

There’s no shortage of buzz—and criticism. Mick LaSalle writes that Sweeney “brings nuance and emotional continuity” to an otherwise amateurish mess. The Daily Beast and New York Post sideline the film for sluggish pacing, contrived quirkiness, and a plot that can’t hold the stylistic ambition.

Yet, the tone-averse but talent-aware critics peg it at a respectable 84% Tomatometer, citing strong direction, energy, and ensemble promise. Variety calls Tost “a promising new imitation artist.” The New York Times praises it as slick and skillful—a debut with polish.

Final Verdict

Americana is like a dusty postcard from a road trip that wants to be every kind of road trip. At its core is a compelling performance by Sweeney, a dusty melody of Americana you want to follow. But the script’s frenetic genre-weaving sometimes untunes the narrative. It doesn’t land every shot, but when it does—particularly between Sweeney and Hauser—it hits with haunting resonance. Worth a watch for the bold attempt, even if it doesn’t ride off perfectly into the sunset.

Facts at a Glance

Notable Industry Quotes

• Valerie Complex (Deadline): Tost “avoids common pitfalls… lets characters work within their frame… rich and enjoyable cast—Halsey and McClarnon being the standouts.”

• Rafael Motamayor (IndieWire): “A homage to the Western genre… shots of arid landscapes… contemplating whether it still has a place in cinema today.”

• Mick LaSalle (SF Chronicle): Sweeney “brings nuance and emotional continuity” to an otherwise inconsistent film.

 Links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americana_%282023_film%29

2. https://ew.com/sydney-sweeney-dolly-parton-wannabe-americana-exclusive-images-11724391

3. https://whattowatch.com/watching-guides/americana-release-date-trailer-cast-plot-and-everything-we-know-about-the-sydney-sweeney-movie

4. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/americana_2025

5. https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/americana-sydney-sweeney-and-her-jeans-cant-salvage-new-movie

6. https://nypost.com/2025/08/11/entertainment/americana-review-sydney-sweeneys-new-movie-is-terrible

7. https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/americana-sydney-sweeney-review-20800063.php

8. https://people.com/halsey-sydney-sweeney-americana-trailer-11718305

9. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/writer-director-tony-tost-long-140913824.html