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American Son

American Son

There's been an incident.

201990 minTV-MAMidcredits score: 45th percentile of all films
Director
Kenny Leon
Starring
Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan, Eugene Lee

Time passes and tension mounts in a Florida police station as an estranged interracial couple awaits news of their missing teenage son.

Where to watch

Where can I watch American Son?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists American Son streaming on Netflix.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about American Son?

American Son earns 6 badges, led by Cult Classic and Thought-provoking.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is American Son worth watching?

American Son's Midcredits score is the 45th percentile of all films, from 8.2K ratings across 2 sources. 45% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

45th percentile

Better received than 45% of films

45th percentile among Crime45th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)44th
Approval (how many liked it)45th

60 /100

44th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Crime45th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

45% liked it

45th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Crime44th percentile among 2010s
45% rated it 7–1055% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 7 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

76th percentile

7.9K ratings across platforms

71st percentile among Crime78th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 36% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A stagey, dialogue-driven drama about a black mother searching for her missing son in a police station, centered on race and perspective.

Fans praised

  • powerful lead performance carries the film
  • honest portrayal of racial tensions and perspectives
  • intense emotional impact despite minimal setting

Detractors panned

  • overwrought, unnatural dialogue and on-the-nose writing
  • annoying, repetitive protagonist undermines empathy
  • feels like a filmed play, not a cinematic experience

What stands out

ActingDivisive72

Kerry Washington praised by fans as powerful; detractors call performance overdone and irritating

Emotional impactDivisive55

fans cry and feel moved; detractors feel manipulated or bored

AtmosphereDivisive55

claustrophobic station praised by some; others find it static

TensionDivisive50

effective suspense for fans; detractors see no stakes

Plot and storyDivisive35

minimal story seen as focused by fans; detractors call it illogical and thin

DialogueDivisive30

fans praise authentic intensity; critics and detractors slam as contrived and preachy

CharactersDivisive30

mother character seen as realistic by fans, insufferably one-note by detractors

PacingDivisive30

fans appreciate tension; detractors find the single-room arguing redundant

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 13 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is American Son like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.Real time · 1% of films: Story time equals screen time — no time skips.
ToneThe film holds its material with complete earnestness and tension, never undercutting the gravity of the situation.
The rideThe mood is predominantly tense and contemplative, building to a heavy emotional climax as the couple confronts the reality of their son's fate.
StructureThe entire film takes place in one police station over a single night, unfolding in near real time.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with lingering unease and prompts reflection on race and the justice system.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by the mystery of a missing teenager, with the investigation unfolding in real time within the police station.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% (this title) · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsPrejudice · 3% of filmsJustice · 13% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a family fractured by crisis and reuniting under pressure, while also exploring systemic bias and the struggle for fairness within law enforcement.
StanceThe film intimately interrogates family bonds under stress and systemic prejudice, leaving the viewer to weigh the personal and societal implications without easy answers.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalAmbientSupportive music · original score · Lisbeth Scott
SettingA Florida police station during a tense night of waiting for news about a missing teenager.
MusicThe score underscores the tension and emotional weight of the waiting room conversations.

Content guide

Is American Son okay for kids?

TV-MA

American Son is rated TV-MA. As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (10/100), sexual content at minimal (7/100), language at moderate (58/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (8/100) and frightening material at mild (29/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • Canada14A
  • Germany12
  • South Korea15세 이상 관람가
  • Poland16
  • RO18
  • SingaporeNC16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a TV-MA film
heavier than 4%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA film
heavier than 44%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (44 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does American Son have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in American Son?

Cast

Kerry Washington
as Kendra
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Television MovieTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Steven Pasquale
as Scott Connor
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeremy Jordan
as Paul Larkin
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eugene Lee
as Lt. John Stokes
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like American Son?

Movies like American Son include Reality (2023), Just Cause (1995) and The Night Clerk (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, half are investigation stories, and most are films set in small-town America.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its world: law enforcement. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with American Son?

3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: chamber drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.