Short review: A contemplative portrait of a contract killer with a brilliant Ian McShane!

Portrait of an Aging Killer
Veteran hitman Wilson (Ian McShane) is assigned to eliminate his next target—this time on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. However, upon arrival, he finds that the target has been delayed by several days. With no immediate job to do, Wilson checks into a hotel and waits. The longer he stays on the island, the more he feels drawn to it—to its culture, its people, and above all, to a mysterious shipwreck.
That wreck, known as American Star, lends its name to the film’s title and becomes a key symbol. Wilson is introduced to it by Gloria (Nora Arnezeder), a charming, free-spirited, and significantly younger woman he meets at a bar. She brings an unexpected spark of joy back into his life. But this fragile sense of peace is soon disrupted when Ryan (Adam Nagaitis) appears—a fellow contract killer and the son of one of Wilson’s former military comrades. His motives remain unclear, both to the audience and to Wilson himself, but his arrogant and unsettling presence hints at trouble.
As Wilson’s target is finally set to arrive, the situation grows more complicated, plunging him into a moral dilemma he never anticipated.
A Compelling Character Study
Director Gonzalo López-Gallego crafts American Star as a gripping, atmospheric hitman drama that prioritizes character depth over flashy action. The stunning landscapes of Fuerteventura provide the perfect backdrop for Ian McShane’s remarkable performance. Despite turning 82 this year, McShane dominates nearly every scene with his distinctive charisma and dry wit.
Rather than a conventional thriller, American Star presents an existential meditation on aging, purpose, and redemption. The film’s artful direction and slow-burn storytelling create a deeply immersive character study. While action fans may find it lacking in high-octane sequences, those who appreciate nuanced dramas and complex protagonists will discover a true gem.
It stands in stark contrast to David Fincher’s cold and sterile hitman thriller The Killer (2023)—American Star is a film that lingers, resonates, and refuses to conform to genre expectations.