Americana (2025) by Tony Tost

Description: Tony Tost’s directorial debut, “Americana (2025),” is a crime thriller set in a quiet South Dakota town where the theft of a valuable Lakota Ghost Shirt ignites a dangerous pursuit involving a diverse group of outsiders and outcasts. With an ensemble cast featuring notable names like Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, and Halsey, the film weaves together intersecting storylines in a darkly comedic and elevated neo-western narrative that explores themes of greed, identity, and the clash between tradition and the contemporary American landscape.

Release date: opens August 22 (US). The movie originally aired at SXSW 2023 and was picked up by Lionsgate several months later.

Tony Tost’s directorial debut, “Americana (2025),” is a crime thriller set in a quiet South Dakota town where the theft of a valuable Lakota Ghost Shirt ignites a dangerous pursuit involving a diverse group of outsiders and outcasts. With an ensemble cast featuring notable names like Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, and Halsey, the film weaves together intersecting storylines in a darkly comedic and elevated neo-western narrative that explores themes of greed, identity, and the clash between tradition and the contemporary American landscape.

In the seemingly ordinary setting of a small South Dakota town, the black market acquisition of a rare and powerful Lakota Ghost Shirt sets off a chain of events that draws together a disparate group of individuals. Among them are Penny Jo, a waitress and aspiring singer, Lefty Ledbetter, a reclusive ranch hand, and Mandy Starr, a rebellious figure with a secret. As these and other local outsiders and outcasts become entangled in the pursuit of the artifact – rumored to bestow power, fortune, or freedom upon its owner – their lives violently intertwine. The film unfolds through multiple overlapping storylines, creating an engaging, non-linear narrative that builds towards a dramatic confrontation. “Americana” is described as a contemporary Western that subverts genre expectations, blending elements of crime thriller, dark comedy, and character study to offer a unique glimpse into overlooked corners of the American experience and the complex motivations of those living on its fringes.

• A valuable Lakota Ghost Shirt is stolen and surfaces on the black market in a small South Dakota town.

• Various local outsiders and outcasts become involved in the pursuit of the artifact.

• Their lives and storylines intersect as they navigate the dangerous situation.

• The film explores themes of greed, the pursuit of dreams, and the impact of the artifact.

• A showdown of epic proportions is precipitated by the intersecting narratives.

The plot is a multi-strand narrative centered around a MacGuffin – the Ghost Shirt – that reveals the desires and struggles of the characters.

“Americana” marks Tony Tost’s transition from acclaimed screenwriter (“Longmire,” “Damnation,” “Poker Face”) to feature film director. His vision for the film is deeply rooted in exploring overlooked aspects of the American experience and the lives of those often on the periphery of society. Tost was inspired by a specific image related to the Western landscape and aimed to create a visually driven film with a distinct aesthetic, deliberately evoking a 1970s cinematic vibe through lens choices, color grading, and even the score. He utilized a multi-chapter, intersecting storyline structure to explore the narrative from different points of view, allowing characters and plot threads to develop and converge. Tost has spoken about using the Lakota Ghost Shirt as a MacGuffin, a catalyst that reveals the true nature and desires of the characters. His background in poetry and creative writing likely influences his approach to character and dialogue, aiming for a blend of grit, dark humor, and unexpected emotional depth.

• The American Dream (and its discontents): The film likely explores the elusive nature of the American Dream for those living in marginalized communities and the unconventional, sometimes dangerous, paths individuals take to pursue their aspirations.

• Identity and Belonging: The characters, as outsiders and outcasts, grapple with their sense of identity and their place within the small-town setting and American society at large.

• Cultural Artifacts and Their Significance: The Lakota Ghost Shirt serves as more than just a valuable object; it represents a clash between cultural heritage, historical trauma, and contemporary greed.

• Greed and Desperation: The pursuit of the Ghost Shirt exposes the desperation and moral compromises individuals are willing to make in their quest for wealth or freedom.

• The Neo-Western Landscape: The film utilizes the setting of South Dakota to explore contemporary themes within a Western framework, highlighting the enduring myths and realities of the American West.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The film boasts a talented and recognizable cast, which is a significant draw for audiences.

• Intriguing Premise: The combination of a stolen historical artifact, a small-town setting, and intersecting criminal storylines creates a compelling hook.

• Director’s Background: Tony Tost’s established career as a successful screenwriter brings a level of anticipation and expectation for strong writing and character development.

• Positive Early Critical Reception: Premiering at SXSW and receiving favorable initial reviews from critics indicates artistic merit and positive word-of-mouth potential.

• Distinct Visual Style: The intentional evocation of a 1970s cinematic aesthetic and the focus on the South Dakota landscape contribute to a unique visual identity.

In a South Dakota town, the theft of a Lakota Ghost Shirt sparks a dangerous game involving various outsiders and outcasts, in this darkly comedic crime thriller from first-time director Tony Tost.

As of May 15, 2025, “Americana (2025)” has premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2025. While specific major awards nominations have not yet been widely reported, its premiere at a notable festival like SXSW often positions a film for potential future award consideration within independent film circuits or for specific craft categories. Early positive reviews from its festival screening are a form of critical recognition.

“Americana (2025)” has received positive early critical reception following its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival 2025.

• Metacritic: Based on 4 critic reviews, “Americana” has a Metascore of 85, indicating “Universal Acclaim.”

  • Reviews describe the film as a “charming, gritty, and all-round entertaining one that boasts gallows humor, compelling performances, and a big heart.”

  • Critics highlight its clever subversion of Western tropes and its engaging, multi-storyline structure.

  • The performances, particularly those of Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser, have been praised as compelling and endearing.

  • The film is noted for its “admirably weird and engaging odyssey” quality and its blend of genres.

Overall Critics Reception: The early critical reception for “Americana” is highly positive, with reviewers applauding Tony Tost’s directorial debut, the strong ensemble cast, and the film’s unique blend of genres and thematic depth. The high Metacritic score from initial reviews suggests a strong start in terms of critical acclaim.

Reviews for “Americana” emphasize its fresh take on the crime thriller and Western genres, its engaging narrative structure, and the standout performances.

• Specific Critic Commentary (from Metacritic snippets): Reviewers have noted the film’s success in taking familiar tropes and creatively toying with them. The gallows humor and compelling performances are frequently mentioned as highlights. The comparison to the work of Quentin Tarantino in terms of its non-linear structure, rapid-fire dialogue, and blend of genres is also present in some early reviews.

Overall Reviews: The initial reviews paint a picture of “Americana” as a smart, entertaining, and well-acted film that successfully establishes Tony Tost as a director to watch. The positive reception suggests the film delivers on its intriguing premise and offers a fresh perspective on the contemporary American landscape.

As “Americana (2025)” is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 22, 2025, there are no box office figures available yet. Its commercial performance will be determined after its release.

“Americana (2025)” is a production involving several companies, including BRON Studios, Creative Wealth Media Finance, Lost Winds Entertainment, Saks Picture Company, and Page Fifty-Four Pictures. Tony Tost wrote the screenplay and directed the film. The film was shot in New Mexico, standing in for South Dakota, with a deliberate effort to capture a specific visual aesthetic reminiscent of 1970s cinema. The production utilized vintage anamorphic lenses to achieve this look.

• BRON Studios (Likely Canadian/International)

• Creative Wealth Media Finance (Likely Canadian/International)

• Lost Winds Entertainment (Likely US)

• Saks Picture Company (Likely US)

• Page Fifty-Four Pictures (Likely US)

• Lionsgate (United States) – Theatrical distributor in the United States (scheduled for August 22, 2025).

• Lionsgate also handles worldwide sales, so they will be responsible for securing distribution in international territories. Specific international distributors are not yet widely listed.

Release Date on Streaming:

A specific streaming release date for “Americana (2025)” is not yet available. Its availability on streaming platforms will follow its theatrical release and will depend on the distribution agreements in place. Given Lionsgate’s involvement, it may eventually become available on their affiliated streaming platforms or through other services where Lionsgate licenses its films.

“Americana (2025)” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2025. It is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in the United States on August 22, 2025, distributed by Lionsgate. International theatrical release dates will vary depending on distribution deals.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Exciting Directorial Debut: It’s a strong first feature from a talented writer transitioning to directing, indicating a fresh cinematic voice.

• Stacked Ensemble Cast: The film features a compelling mix of established and rising stars delivering praised performances.

• Unique Genre Blend: It offers a fresh and entertaining mix of crime thriller, neo-western, and dark comedy.

• Positive Early Buzz: The strong critical reception from its SXSW premiere suggests a high-quality and engaging film.

• Intriguing Premise: The story centered around a stolen artifact and its impact on various characters is captivating.

• If You Enjoy Smart Crime Thrillers: If you appreciate films with intricate plots, sharp dialogue, and unexpected turns, this movie is likely to appeal to you.

• To See Great Acting: The ensemble cast, with early praise for Sweeney and Hauser, offers a compelling reason to watch for the performances alone.

• For a Modern Western with a Twist: If you’re interested in contemporary films that play with Western tropes and settings, this film offers a unique perspective.

• To Discover a New Director: Be among the first to see the directorial work of Tony Tost, who has a strong reputation as a writer.

What Movie Trend film is Following:

Neo-Western / Contemporary Crime Thriller: The film fits within the ongoing trend of contemporary stories set in Western or rural landscapes that incorporate elements of crime and often subvert traditional Western tropes, exploring themes relevant to modern America.

What Big Social Trend is Following:

Examination of Marginalized Communities and the Pursuit of Opportunity: The film’s focus on outsiders and outcasts in a small town and their pursuit of the Ghost Shirt touches upon broader social trends related to economic hardship, limited opportunities in certain regions, and the lengths to which individuals may go to improve their circumstances. It also implicitly engages with issues of cultural heritage and its commodification.

“Americana (2025)” marks a highly promising directorial debut for Tony Tost, showcasing his skill in crafting a compelling and distinctive crime thriller. With a sharp screenplay, a stellar ensemble cast delivering praised performances, and a unique visual style that pays homage to 1970s cinema, the film offers a fresh and engaging take on the neo-western genre. The intriguing premise centered around a stolen Lakota Ghost Shirt serves as a potent catalyst, revealing the complex desires and struggles of its memorable characters. While a wider critical consensus and box office performance are yet to be seen, the strong early reception from its SXSW premiere suggests “Americana” is a smart, entertaining, and thought-provoking film that is well worth seeking out. It establishes Tony Tost as a director with a clear vision and a knack for telling captivating stories about the American experience.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Embrace Your Unique Voice and Background: Tony Tost’s background in writing and poetry clearly influences his directorial style and thematic interests, highlighting the value of bringing one’s personal artistic sensibilities to filmmaking.

• Utilize Genre to Explore Deeper Themes: “Americana” uses the framework of a crime thriller to delve into complex social and cultural themes, demonstrating how genre can be a vehicle for meaningful commentary.

• Focus on Strong Characters and Dialogue: A compelling ensemble and sharp writing are key to the film’s early success, underscoring the importance of well-developed characters and engaging dialogue.

• Pay Attention to Visual Style: The intentional creation of a specific visual aesthetic can significantly enhance the mood and themes of a film.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Writers Transitioning to Directing: Tony Tost’s successful debut suggests that experienced writers can bring a strong understanding of storytelling and character to directing.

• Champion Films with Unique Voices and Perspectives: Encourage and distribute films that offer fresh takes on established genres and explore diverse aspects of the American or global experience.

• Recognize the Value of Ensemble Casts: Highlight films that feature strong ensemble performances, as these can be a significant draw for audiences and contribute to critical acclaim.

• Invest in Films with Strong Festival Buzz: Positive reception at ilm festivals can be a strong indicator of a film’s potential and should be considered in distribution strategies.

Final Conclusions: “Americana (2025)” emerges as a notable and exciting directorial debut for Tony Tost. The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend genre elements – crime thriller, neo-western, dark comedy – into a cohesive and engaging narrative. Anchored by a compelling premise involving a stolen Lakota Ghost Shirt and featuring a talented ensemble cast, “Americana” offers a sharp and insightful look at the lives of outsiders in contemporary America. The early critical acclaim from its SXSW premiere underscores its artistic merit and suggests that Tost has successfully translated his skills as a screenwriter into a confident directorial vision. With its distinct visual style and thematic depth, “Americana” is poised to be a memorable addition to the landscape of independent American cinema and establish Tony Tost as a director to watch. Its theatrical release in August 2025 will be a key moment to see how its early festival success translates to a wider audience reception.