Tom Cruise’s “American Made,” directed by Doug Liman, is a biographical crime drama that tells the story of Barry Seal, a pilot who worked for the Medellín Cartel and the CIA. Gary Spinelli’s script draws from Seal’s chaotic true-life saga, framing the movie as a lightweight spiritual counterpart to Netflix’s early “Narcos” seasons that chronicled the Escobar era.
The movie covers a significant portion of Seal’s life, from his recruitment by the CIA to his eventual assassination in 1986. Cruise’s portrayal of Seal is captivating, and his charisma brings the true story to life. The film also follows his home front, portraying a marriage to Lucy and three children while he initially hides his smuggling from them until the deception becomes untenable.
Liman’s direction is smooth and fast-paced, making the film an adrenaline-fueled ride. The duo has worked together before on the sci-fi blockbuster “Edge of Tomorrow,” and their collaboration on “American Made” is equally impressive. Cruise has extensive knowledge of flying planes, which serves the film well.
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The film was a critical and commercial success in 2017, grossing over $134 million worldwide on a mid-budget of $50 million. It currently sits at the number four spot on HBO Max’s Top 10 movie chart. With an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “American Made” is a solid and well-executed film that offers a unique take on the crime genre.
By covering the same historical window as “Narcos,” the film offers a condensed, action-focused lens that complements the series’ slower, investigative approach. Seal was a true hustler of life until his fate inevitably caught up to him — he got rich but paid the price in years, dying at only 46 years old.