American Honey — Review
Disclaimer: This review was originally published on May 10, 2016 after the Cannes Film Festival. It has been uploaded here for archival purposes.
To call Andrea Arnold’s American Honey a “great film” would be an understatement. American Honey is an extraordinary experience, albeit a subjective one. American Honey is entirely what one makes of it. It’s highly unlikely that any two viewers will have the exact same experience with this film, but there is something for everyone to love about it.
American Honey has the potential to be the film that will define this generation, and yet simultaneously there is something so effortlessly timeless about it. Arnold beautifully and tragically captures what it’s like to come of age in America, which is an impressive feat for an English filmmaker. American Honey captures the notion of searching for the American dream with irrefutable authenticity.
Even for viewers who have never had an experience similar to that of Star’s or any of the other characters in the film, the heart of the film still feels relatable. Arnold captures emotions that are often difficult to put into words, creating a truly one-of-a-kind sensory experience. American Honey depicts the recklessness and vitality of youth as well as the feelings of desperation and hope that accompany the escapism and struggle embodied by the American dream.
Arnold’s film boasts what is quite possibly one of the most impressive uses of music in a film. The soundtrack is noteworthy, even for those who aren’t typically fond of country, rap, or hip hop music. The music in this film just captures such understated emotions that the songs themselves begin to take on new meaning and emotional significance. After viewers fall in love with American Honey, hearing a song from the film is sure to elicit a unique emotional response and this in itself proves that the film is one that definitely lingers with viewers long after it’s over. American Honey is meditative, fun, heartbreaking, and overall a wild ride.
It is evident that the cast of American Honey formed a bond during the production of the film, and their chemistry on screen is undeniably convincing. These characters feel entirely real, as do their experiences. In addition, because scenes were filmed in chronological order and plenty of the film was improvised – it truly feels as though viewers are watching something entirely genuine. American Honey is honest and so vibrantly full of life.
The cinematography in the film is absolutely stunning. Robbie Ryan manages to take the mundane and turn it into a work of art. From a Walmart to the middle of nowhere to a sleazy motel, Ryan’s cinematography turns every frame into something magical. The cinematography as well as the film itself manage to take ordinary life experiences and uncover the beauty in them.
Plenty of viewers will be put off by the film’s hefty running time, but rest assured that every single breathtaking minute of this film is completely worth it. There is no scene that deserves to be cut out. While the film features a sparse plot and is virtually without structure, American Honey is a lot like life itself in the sense that our lives are unpredictable and plotless yet we are all just trying to live life moment-by-moment and make the most out of whatever hurdles life throws our way.
