Americana: Modern Western Thriller Starring Sydney Sweeney Arrives in U.S. Theaters

The contemporary Western thriller "Americana," starring Sydney Sweeney, is now playing in U.S. cinemas as of August 15, 2025. Directed by Tony Tost, the film features a cast including Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, and Simon Rex. The plot revolves around a rare Native American artifact that surfaces on the black market, triggering a high-stakes pursuit among various characters. Sweeney plays Penny Jo Poplin, a waitress who teams up with war veteran Lefty Ledbetter, portrayed by Paul Walter Hauser, to find the artifact, putting them in conflict with a criminal working for a Western antiquities dealer.

Filmed in New Mexico, "Americana" premiered at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 17, 2023. The film has received critical acclaim, with a 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from seven reviews and a Metacritic score of 85 out of 100 based on four critics. Tony Tost, known for his work on Western-themed television series, makes his feature directorial debut with "Americana." The film is structured in chapters and explores themes of cultural identity and the American dream. Lionsgate acquired worldwide distribution rights in March 2024.