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American Trash

Play trailer 1:33 Poster for American Trash 2024 1h 49m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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A war veteran haunted finds solace in the company of a free-spirited environmentalist. Their romance takes an unexpected turn.
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American Trash

Critics Reviews

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Romey Norton Film Focus Online American Trash is a raw and risk-taking debut from Robert LaSardo. It ditches genre clichés in favour of something far more meditative and emotionally honest. At times disturbing, often beautiful, and always thought-provoking. Rated: 2.5/5 Aug 1, 2025 Full Review Bee Delores B-Sides & Badlands American Trash might be a tough sell for many people, particularly the inclusion of old Charles Manson interviews, but there’s plenty of engaging commentary about the planet, redemption, and keeping a tight grip on your humanity. Rated: 3.5/5 Jul 11, 2025 Full Review Brent McKnight The Last Thing I See What could easily have turned into a run-of-the-mill revenge saga has more on its mind and, at every step, chooses not to follow the obvious path. Jun 25, 2025 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …a thought-provoking and fiercely intelligent film about a recognisably tough life...American Trash is a well acted and conceived project to be commended for its realistic and sensitive approach to veteran's issues… Rated: 4/5 Jun 13, 2025 Full Review Jim Schembri jimschembri.com LaSardo, a veteran character actor often cast as the heavy, does well here as both director and lead...[His] portrayal of a hard man with a vulnerable, arguably naive side is believable, particularly in scenes where both aspects grind against each other. Rated: 3/5 Apr 1, 2025 Full Review Emilie Black Cinema Crazed It’s decently written, directed, and acted from the lead cast. The film shows that LaSardo is on his way to becoming is a solid film writer and director after having been in over 175 films as an actor. Feb 10, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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John R American Trash says so much about today. It's a raw look at modern society, how things are overlooked and the hidden emotions that cripple the mind and spirit . This is Robert Lasardo's best work ...this is Robert LaSardo. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/11/25 Full Review Guerrilla M In this incredible film, LaSardo masterfully blends misery, ugliness, sadness, and beauty with a cinematic power rarely seen before. LaSardo's powerful and intense performance (here also serving as director and producer) elevates the story to a level of human intensity that transcends words. The themes of trauma, along with those of the world around the central character, collide like an earthquake of emotions, leaving little room for life's superficial beauties. This film is pure art. Rarely have I felt so much sadness for a character in a film. LaSardo has captured the true essence of what it means to be human, with all its inherent weaknesses and inner lights. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Mike D ★★★★★ A Masterstroke of Grit and Heart — Robert LaSardo Redefines Independent Cinema American Trash isn’t just a film — it’s a statement. A pulse-pounding, soul-baring work of art that cements Robert LaSardo as not only a powerhouse performer, but a visionary director with something urgent to say. With this film, LaSardo transcends his already iconic on-screen persona to deliver a story that is deeply human, fiercely authentic, and unapologetically bold. From the first frame, LaSardo’s direction grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go. He crafts a world soaked in pain, memory, and defiance — a poetic wasteland populated by lost souls, but filmed with such empathy and intensity that even the darkest moments glow with beauty. The camera doesn’t just observe — it confesses, it breathes, it bleeds. As an artist, LaSardo is a revelation. He brings a rare blend of vulnerability and power to every scene, infusing American Trash with a beating heart and a palpable urgency. He understands trauma not as a plot device, but as a living, breathing truth. And in his hands, every scar tells a story, every silence screams louder than words. This is the kind of filmmaking that reminds you why cinema matters. It’s fearless, it’s raw, and it’s real. Robert LaSardo doesn’t just direct — he bares his soul, turns pain into poetry, and gives a voice to the voiceless. With American Trash, Robert LaSardo doesn’t just shine — he ascends. A true auteur. A rare force in modern filmmaking. And a name that deserves to be remembered not only as an actor — but as an artist of profound depth and daring. A masterpiece. No compromises. No apologies. Just truth. — Dark Quill Reviews Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/03/25 Full Review Elizabeth T American Trash is a film that is gripping, unpredictable, and thought-provoking. A credit to LaSardo. My personal mantra is 'Never assume anything about anybody', and it certainly applies to Robert LaSardo here... I find the screenplay to be inventive, and the film's message firmly put but not overstated. The original score and the technical and production values are all excellent, as are all the performances. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/02/25 Full Review John Q I have to admit not what I was expecting with Title of movie “AMERICAN TRASH” I figured riots and documents of American history but it was not that I don’t want to give away the movie for those who haven’t watched it yet but I will say it is very Hard to find down to earth realistic movies like this after watching I did some research on some of the subject in the movie and was blown away from the truth bravo 👏 good job of capturing the good the bad innocence and evil Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/28/25 Full Review Samantha H "American Trash," directed by Robert LaSardo and released in 2024, is a gritty drama based in LA that explores the lives of individuals struggling to make sense of their existence amid societal decay. The film follows a diverse ensemble of characters as they navigate personal and collective crises, reflecting broader themes of disenchantment, societal decay, and survival. LaSardo's direction brings an intense, almost visceral quality to the narrative, highlighting the stark realities of the characters' lives. The performances in "American Trash" are a strong point, with the cast delivering deeply emotional and authentic portrayals. LaSardo delivers a deeply moving and nuanced portrayal of a character grappling with PTSD from his military days and loss while still holding on to the capacity for love.. He is coming to terms with the reality that LA is no longer the place he once loved- increasing crime rates, loss of social cohesion, and economic instability. From the opening scene, Lasardo captures the emotional complexity of his role with remarkable sensitivity and authenticity. The actor's depiction of PTSD is both raw and respectful, avoiding sensationalism while conveying the profound impact of trauma on the character's psyche. Every twitch, pause, and moment of hesitation is laden with the weight of past suffering, creating a portrait of vulnerability that is both heartbreaking and profoundly human. Gigi Gustin delivers a compelling and emotionally charged portrayal of a distraught yet loving character. Her raw, heartfelt performance captures the character's emotional turmoil with impressive authenticity. The nuanced expression of both vulnerability and affection adds depth to the role, making the character's struggles and devotion resonate deeply with the audience. Visually, the film adopts a gritty, documentary-like aesthetic that reinforces its themes of urban decay, real-world issues, and existential struggle. The color grading enhances the overall atmosphere, contributing to the film's immersive experience. Despite the character's grief, Lasardo infuses moments of warmth and tenderness, showcasing the enduring capacity for love amid overwhelming circumstances. While "American Trash" may not offer a conventional narrative or resolution, its unvarnished portrayal of contemporary issues makes it a significant and thought-provoking piece. Those who appreciate a raw, hard-hitting, character-driven story will find it a powerful experience. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/24/25 Full Review Read all reviews
American Trash

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Movie Info

Synopsis A war veteran haunted finds solace in the company of a free-spirited environmentalist. Their romance takes an unexpected turn.
Director
Robert LaSardo
Screenwriter
Robert LaSardo
Distributor
Deep C Digital
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 10, 2024
Runtime
1h 49m
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