Is Ain't Living in America Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2021 release of Ain't Living in America stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Simone Müller puts on her self-made traditional Cheyenne outfit. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Simone Müller puts on her self-made traditional Cheyenne outfit. She tells us about her longing to visit the Western United States. We join her in a get-together with fellow hobbyists as they gather around the fireplace of a tipi in their suburb garden to get lost in play. Yara, an internationally successful western rider from the Ruhr, dresses in her sequined golden show outfit before training with her appaloosa mare Casey. She tells us about her passion for Texas, where everything seems to be a little larger than life. We sit beside Kevin Derwahl, better known by his nickname “Johnson”, as he rides his wartime Jeep through the Belgian Ardennes and pay visit to a stretch of forest that saw heavy fighting during of the Battle of the Bulge. What they all share, beside their passion for America, is the notion that all this is not necessarily about a worldly place…"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Kevin "Johnson" Derwahl does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Manuel Liebscher is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 15 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Ain't Living in America truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Ain't Living in America explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Manuel Liebscher respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Ain't Living in America is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Kevin "Johnson" Derwahl or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Ain't Living in America is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.