American Honey (film)

American Honey is a 2016 British-American road drama film written and directed by Andrea Arnold. The film stars Sasha Lane as Star, a teenage girl from a troubled home who runs away with a traveling sales crew that peddles magazine subscriptions door-to-door across the American Midwest. The film explores themes of youth, poverty, freedom, and the search for belonging against a backdrop of contemporary American culture.

The narrative follows Star's experiences navigating the challenges and temptations of this transient lifestyle, including relationships with her charismatic but manipulative boss, Krystal (Riley Keough), and a charming young salesman named Jake (Shia LaBeouf). As Star travels with the crew, she encounters diverse people and environments, grappling with issues of identity, love, and survival.

American Honey is notable for its use of natural light, improvisational acting, and a soundtrack heavily featuring contemporary popular music. The film premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize. It has received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of marginalized youth and its immersive cinematic style.