American Night – Stylish, strange & unapologetically bold -

American Night is a slick, high-stakes dive into the criminal underworld where fine art meets brutal ambition. It’s a visually charged neo-noir that doesn’t waste time easing you in—within minutes, you’re neck-deep in double-crosses, forged paintings, and power plays that spiral out of control.

The film follows a stolen masterpiece that sets off a domino effect across New York’s darkest corners. At the heart of it all is John Kaplan (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), an art critic with secrets, and Michael Rubino (Emile Hirsch), a volatile crime boss who wants what’s been promised to him. As the painting shifts hands, bullets fly, alliances crumble, and chaos reigns.

Alessio Della Valle’s direction is stylish and sharp. The visuals are drenched in neon, and the whole thing has a gritty comic book feel—think noir fused with modern pulp. The pacing might throw some viewers, as it plays with time and structure, but for those who like their crime thrillers offbeat and unpredictable, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Performances are solid across the board. Rhys Meyers brings intensity, Hirsch is unhinged in the best way, and Paz Vega adds heart to an otherwise cold world. There’s an unexpected emotional thread running beneath the surface, but make no mistake—this is a film fuelled by action, attitude, and atmosphere.

American Night won’t be for everyone, but if you’re into moody, violent thrillers with an artistic edge, it’s worth a watch. Stylish, strange, and unapologetically bold—this one leaves a mark.