Sydney Sweeney stars as Penny Jo, a waitress and aspiring country singer, in the upcoming indie thriller Americana, which hits theaters on August 15. The film, released by Lionsgate, gained attention with a character poster of Sweeney that strongly evokes the style and energy of Dolly Parton, underscoring the film’s connection to country music culture and the spirit of Americana.
The Plot and Central Conflict of Americana
Americana weaves a modern western tale centered around a rare Native American artifact that becomes the focus of a fierce struggle. Following its appearance on the black market, Penny Jo teams up with a lovelorn military veteran, played by Paul Walter Hauser, in an attempt to recover the artifact. Their efforts put them at odds with a ruthless criminal, portrayed by Eric Dane, working for a Western antiquities dealer played by Simon Rex. More characters enter the fray, including the leader of an indigenous group, brought to life by Zahn McClarnon, and a woman with a mysterious past, Halsey’s character, leading to violent confrontations.
Connecting Penny Jo’s Aspirations to Dolly Parton’s Iconic Legacy
While it remains unclear if Sydney Sweeney personally desires to portray Dolly Parton, her character Penny Jo idolizes the legendary singer deeply. Sweeney revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly,
“Dolly is definitely her biggest aspirational role model.”
She added,
“Dolly is almost like a godlike figure to Penny Jo, and I really wanted to make sure that we had the aspirations of being Dolly, but then, she doesn’t have the resources.”
This dynamic reflects Penny Jo’s dreams amid limited means, emphasizing Parton’s symbolic significance to her character’s journey.
A Poster That Pays Homage to Dolly Parton’s 1974 ‘Jolene’ Album
The promotional poster featuring Sydney Sweeney bears a notable resemblance to the cover of Dolly Parton’s breakthrough album, Jolene, released in 1974. On the original, Parton is pictured seated cross-legged, with her signature blonde bob drawing attention. Sweeney’s poster adapts this imagery with her own style, wearing a bandana and letting her hair cascade over a flannel shirt and acoustic guitar. Though not an exact replica, the design and typography evoke the spirit of Parton’s album cover, reinforcing the link between Penny Jo’s persona and the county music icon.
Other Cast Members Also Embrace Country Music Inspirations
The Americana cast creatively matches their characters to legendary country musicians through a series of themed posters. Paul Walter Hauser channels Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger, while Halsey takes on the persona of Johnny Cash for The Man in Black. Simon Rex resembles Chris Stapleton, albeit without his trademark beard, and Eric Dane’s portrayal echoes Dwight Yoakam’s style on This Time. Zahn McClarnon’s character aligns with Shotgun Willie, and Gavin Maddox Berman represents John Prine’s debut with his own country music-inspired poster. This artistic approach ties the ensemble together in a shared homage to influential figures in the genre.
Anticipating Dolly Parton’s Reaction and Americana’s Reception
Although there is no confirmation whether Dolly Parton has viewed Sydney Sweeney’s work or the posters, it is likely the singer would appreciate the tribute, given her generosity and connection to country music culture. Americana presents a fresh narrative combining western themes, cultural tension, and music, with Sweeney’s Dolly Parton vibes adding a distinctive layer to the film’s identity. As the release date approaches, the film promises to captivate audiences who appreciate both thrilling storytelling and reverence for country music legends.
