American Honey

American Honey is an enthralling and visually stunning 2016 drama film that explores the themes of youthful rebellion, search for identity, and the pursuit of the American dream. This cinematic gem, directed by acclaimed English filmmaker Andrea Arnold, boasts a strong cast led by engaging newcomer Sasha Lane, alongside notable actors Shia LaBeouf and Riley Keough.

The film introduces us to an 18-year-old protagonist, Star, portrayed masterfully by Lane in her debut role. Star is stuck in a cycle of poverty and neglect in Oklahoma, responsible for her two younger siblings in a challenging living situation. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with a traveling magazine sales crew led by the charismatic Jake, portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, and his formidable manager Krystal, brought to life hauntingly by Riley Keough.

Star is drawn toward the allure of freedom and a chance at a better life that the crew seems to offer, prompting her to abandon her responsibilities and join them. Thus begins Star's passionate journey filled with youthful exuberance, exploration, rebellion, and self-discovery, as she joins the crew in their journey across America's Midwest.

What sets American Honey apart is its authentic portrayal of a rarely seen segment of American life. The film provides a deep dive into the real-life subculture of magazine sales crews, best defined as groups of young individuals traveling together, selling magazines door-to-door. Arnold captures the raw energy, the chaos, and the hustling spirit that pervades this youthful subculture, effectively illustrating the bittersweet freedom tied with it. American Honey is a road trip movie like none other, exploring socio-economic classes and using the road as a metaphor for Star's journey towards self-definition.

Against the backdrop of suburban American landscapes and accompanied by a superb soundtrack that incorporates folk, country, and hip-hop, we witness Star's raw and visceral experiences - the ebb and flow of close-knit friendships and fiery romances, the exhilaration of youthful recklessness, and the stark realities of deception and betrayal. We see her grapple with the complex dynamics of love, loyalty, freedom, and survival through her tumultuous relationship with Jake and the rest of the crew.

At its core, American Honey is an exploration of the American dream as seen through the eyes of the country's marginalized youth. It delves into the hopes, dreams, and disenchantments of a generation raised in the harsh confines of poverty and stripped of opportunities, perpetually lost and yet relentlessly spirited in their pursuit of a better life. Arnold's film is a testament to the resilience and hope of young hearts in an unforgiving world.

The movie excels not only in storytelling but also in filmmaking techniques. Arnold utilizes non-professional actors, an intimate, handheld camera style, and naturalistic dialogue, creating an almost documentary-like tone. Each frame is breathtaking as Arnold superbly captures the wild, beautiful landscapes that characterize America’s vast highways and struggling small towns. This cinematic style, combined with the film's 4:3 aspect ratio, makes for a genuinely immersive and emotionally potent experience embodying the very essence of independent filmmaking.

Every aspect of the film, from the characters and their interactions to its narrative flow, feels incredibly organic. This is, in part, thanks to the sublime performances by its cast, especially Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, and Riley Keough. Lane gives a raw and powerful performance as Star, commanding the screen with an honesty and intensity that is stunning. LaBeouf brings depth and charisma to his role as Jake, while Keough's steely performance as Krystal is fascinating to watch.

American Honey invites viewers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, underscored by a profound commentary on the American dream. Heartbreaking and hopeful, raw and poetic, the film is a beautifully crafted portrait of the American underclass — an uncompromising exploration of the rebellious spirit and resilience buried deep within the heartland of a country built on dreams. It leaves you with a feeling of both a grim understanding of reality and an undefinable longing — very much like the open road itself.