The thriller drama film American Star follows the journey of an older man named Wilson, who resides on the beautiful island of Fuerteventura. He is awaiting a target as a professional hitman, yet the story reveals his personal evolution as he unexpectedly connects with others in his final days.
The film offers stunning landscapes and a remarkable performance from 81-year-old Ian McShane, delivering a slow-paced experience with an impactful, bittersweet conclusion.
A hitman’s world is turned upside down by a chance encounter with Gloria (Photo: American Star/Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology, Cayuga Ficción, and EMU Films)Plot Summary: What Is the Film About?
The film begins with breathtaking scenes, typical of art-house cinema, where a plane’s shadow glides across vast desert landscapes. This opens the journey of Wilson, the protagonist, who arrives at Tenerife’s small airport.
As he drives to an isolated mansion, it becomes clear that Wilson is no tourist but a hitman on a mission. His target is yet to arrive, so Wilson waits.
When a motorcycle approaches, he assumes it’s the target, only to discover it’s a woman—Gloria—who seems familiar with the place. She enjoys a swim in the pool, and Wilson, growing anxious, leaves the house and contacts his informer to postpone the job.
Wilson checks into a popular hotel in the city, where he introduces himself as a tourist, although his attire and demeanor betray his true nature. While out having time, he meets a bartender who turns out to be Gloria. Though their relationship starts as a friendly one, it gradually becomes clear that it will complicate his mission.
Why Does Wilson Postpone the Inevitable?
As the plot plays, it’s revealed that Gloria is also on Wilson’s list of targets. They bond over several outings, including one to a beach where they view the wreckage of an American ship.
Their companionship grows, yet it remains clear that it’s not romantic. Gloria’s actions stem from a deeper need for a father figure, which becomes evident when she introduces Wilson to her mother, Anne. Gloria, seeking connection, hopes that Wilson may become the paternal figure she craves.
However, it is also disclosed that Gloria has a criminal past, having been involved in drug trafficking. She had connections with a drug lord, who might be the second target Wilson was assigned to eliminate.
Despite their growing bond, Wilson struggles with the idea of killing her and, instead, offers her a chance to escape after confronting her about her criminal activities. This infuriates Gloria, who believes Wilson’s actions to be a betrayal.
How Does Wilson Bond with Max?
The film sees Wilson’s emotional transformation as he connects with younger, lonely figures like Max, a neglected boy staying at the same hotel. Max reaches out to Wilson, and their bond develops through simple acts like playing with a toy soldier and sharing a special moment when they launch the toy soldier from the roof together. For Wilson, Max’s company brings out his soft side, something that had been buried under years of professional detachment.
Who Is Ryan?
Ryan, a younger hitman who works for the same company as Wilson, arrives on the scene, reminding Wilson that he’s far from a vacation. Ryan, who had served with Wilson’s late friend in the army, represents a stark contrast to Wilson in terms of priorities.
While Wilson reflects on his life choices, Ryan is more concerned with the job at hand, particularly his affair with Gloria. As Wilson grows closer to her, he finds evidence of Ryan’s betrayal, which deepens the tension between the two men.
Does Wilson Take His Own Life?
The story reaches its climax when the main target arrives. Wilson kills the man but hesitates when Gloria arrives. Unable to kill her, he offers her a chance to flee. However, Ryan, anticipating this, kills Gloria.
Fuerteventura’s deserts hold secrets Wilson never planned to uncover (Photo: American Star/Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology, Cayuga Ficción, and EMU Films)This sends Wilson into a rage, and he confronts Ryan. A brutal altercation ensues, and Wilson finally kills Ryan. Struggling with his actions and the meaning of his life, Wilson takes Ryan’s body to the beach, walking into the water with it. This final scene suggests his own drowning, symbolizing his despair and the end of his journey.
What Is the Importance of the American Star Ship?
The American Star ship, a wrecked cruise liner visible in the film, serves as a metaphor for Wilson’s life. Much like the ship, Wilson is old, worn down, and stuck in a never-ending cycle.
The American Star was abandoned for years before being fully submerged, reflecting Wilson’s own state of rootlessness and the years of service he had given to various organizations.
The ship’s slow, inevitable sinking parallels Wilson’s decline as he grapples with the idea of family and redemption. At the end, both the shipwreck and Wilson disappear into the water, symbolizing the end of two once mighty entities.
