American Dreamer

American Dreamer, a 2018 film directed by Derrick Borte, is a thrilling and grueling ride into desperation, crime, and morality, featuring the unexpected dark performance of comedian Jim Gaffigan. Known typically for his light-hearted, comedic roles and standup, Gaffigan seizes this opportunity to convey a chilling depiction of a down-on-his-luck rideshare driver embroiled in criminal undertakings in order to survive.

In American Dreamer, Gaffigan plays Cam, a former computer programmer and current part-time chauffeur for a low-cost Uber-like service. His character unfolds in Norfolk, Virginia, where he lives in a near state of destitute despair. Drowning in financial ruin, a failed marriage, and the heartbreak of losing custody of his son, his despairing reality is reflected brilliantly in the gloomy weather and washed-out color palette that resonates in every frame.

Cam drives mostly for anyone who can pay, developing a relationship with one of his regular customers named Mazz, an abrasive low-level local drug dealer, played by Robbie Jones. In a deviation from the norms of their professional relationship, Cam is hired by Mazz to not only drive him around but also to look after his infant son due to a lack of responsible adults in his life. This bond with Mazz's son forms the crux of a plot that takes Cam down an even darker path.

As Cam's financial problems escalate, he devises a reckless plan to kidnap Mazz's son, banking on the concept that the drug dealer wouldn't call the police. Alejandro Hernandez, who plays the part of Mazz's right-hand man, Marino compliments this tense environment, adding another layer of danger and threat to the desolate narrative. The tension escalates into a rising crescendo, pushing Cam deeper and deeper into his morally dubious choices.

Tammy Blanchard as Becca, Cam's estranged wife, offers a counteracting balance to the grim situations. The tensions between them highlight the despair and angst of two people who, despite failed marriages and personal issues, are still intertwined due to their care for their son. The anxiety is palpable as Cam tries to protect his son from the hellfire he himself has kindled.

American Dreamer forces audiences to confront the depths a man might go to when faced with extreme desperation. It explores the gritty, grimy, and often uncomfortable layers of a crumbling life on the edge, dancing on the lines of right and wrong. The idyllic concept of the 'American Dream' is turned on its head here, as the movie bends the notion into a tyrannical nightmare filled with dread, anxiety, and moral free fall.

Director Derrick Borte crafts an unnerving piece that carries an intense, unsettling atmosphere from start to finish. Along with Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman as producers, and Eric Miller as a cinematographer, the film captivates viewers with compelling visuals that enhance the profound discomfort the characters navigate through.

Through stark visuals and a suspense-filled soundtrack, the creators of American Dreamer intricately weave in themes of economic struggle, neurotic obsession, and shattered dreams. This grim narrative is not about redemption or victory over adversity; it is deliberately unsettling, challenging viewers to contemplate the earnest human struggle within morally incongruous situations.

The performances are convincing with Gaffigan's dark, serious role catching the eye; it's a stark departure from his comedic persona. Simultaneously, Alejandro Hernandez's performance adds an intense layer of pressure to the story, stubbornly holding the tension tight.

American Dreamer is a suspense-driven thriller that takes audiences on a highly uncomfortable trip through the underbelly of a modern-day American city. Jim Gaffigan’s powerful Performance, combined with Borte’s hard-hitting narrative, leaves audiences landlocked in this chilling ride of desperation and questionable morality. This film serves as a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters are not supernatural but instead, humans driven to the edge, left to combat their worst nightmares in the pursuit of what was once the American dream.