Dan Futterman’s American Rust, adapted from Philipp Meyer’s acclaimed novel, arrives on Showtime with all the trappings of capital-I importance. With a stellar cast including Jeff Daniels, Maura Tierney, and Bill Camp, and a backdrop of a depressed Pennsylvania town grappling with social and political issues, the series aims for depth and relevance.
The plot centers on a suspicious death in the town of Buell, echoing themes seen in Mare of Easttown, as it navigates topics such as the economy, the opioid crisis, and labor rights. Against a backdrop of meticulously crafted sets, the narrative unfolds in shades of rust brown and gunmetal gray, painting a bleak picture of the town’s struggles.
However, despite its lofty ambitions and distinguished cast, American Rust falls short due to its fundamental flaw: it’s simply dull. The series meanders through a generic town filled with characters ranging from glum to glummer, failing to engage viewers despite the actors’ efforts.
Jeff Daniels delivers a solid performance as Del Harris, the conflicted police chief, while Maura Tierney shines as Grace, his love interest. Bill Camp adds depth as the cantankerous widower Henry, but his character’s role feels underdeveloped.
The younger cast members struggle to elevate the material, grappling with dialogue that mistakes deliberation for depth. Scenes often lack urgency, even as the plot revolves around a mysterious death.
While American Rust attempts to flesh out its setting through events like a wedding, the portrayal of Buell feels superficial and lacking in authenticity. The town’s dreariness is relentless, offering few glimpses of humanity amidst its struggles.
As the series unfolds, it may delve deeper into its themes, but with only three episodes available for review, it’s hard to see much promise. American Rust’s characters may be troubled, but the show itself feels like a dead end, offering little incentive for viewers to stick around.
In the end, perhaps the best course of action is to heed the characters’ advice and move on from this uninspiring portrayal of small-town life.
