THE AMERICAN 🤩

THE AMERICAN is based on the true story of the ballerina, Joy Womack (Talia Ryder), who dreamed of dancing with the elite Russian Bolshoi Ballet. She was one of the very few ever to be accepted at the age of fifteen. 

The film showcased Joy’s experiences while trying to fit the Russian cookie-cutter mold for a primo ballerina and being an American. The company was cutthroat, and mean, and messed with her emotional and physical well-being. There was a huge cost to Joy’s soul while maneuvering and being manipulated through her journey at such a young age. The film begs the question…is dancing for the Bolshoi worth changing who you are at your core? Her life was torn between two countries and she was known as “the traitor.”  Where did she feel at home?

The dancing was spectacular and breathtaking. The production numbers were magnificent. The classes were brutal, backstabbing, and bloody. Talia was amazing in expressing her fanatical love of dancing and the depths of despair that she endured. Pushing her through this maze was the extraordinary Tatiyana (Diane Krueger). She was a diabolical force as well as an inspiration. 
THE AMERICAN was rated extremely high by its fans on Rotten Tomatoes, and it was well-deserved for its stellar performances, honest depictions, and sheer joy for those who love the world of ballet. It reminds me of our Olympians especially this week as they compete for gold and perseveres no matter what. 

THE AMERICAN is streaming on Hulu.