The Tom Cruise American Made movie, now streaming on Paramount+, has become the platform’s top title, offering fans a rare chance to see Cruise in an uncharacteristically complex role. This film, first released in 2017 and directed by Doug Liman, is gaining fresh attention for its dark humor and exploration of real-life events from the late 1970s and 1980s.
Tom Cruise Steps Outside His Usual Roles
Since the renewed popularity of the Mission: Impossible series with Ghost Protocol, Tom Cruise has typically been known for portraying ultra-competent heroes like Ethan Hunt. These characters tend to embody an unwavering drive and remain firmly on the side of good. However, American Made marks a significant departure. In this film, Cruise takes on a new persona, much like his role in Edge of Tomorrow, playing characters who are deeply flawed and morally ambiguous rather than outright heroic.
A Look Inside American Made’s Story
The Tom Cruise American Made movie is inspired by the unusual real-life story of Barry Seal. Seal was a talented pilot during the late 1970s, who initially smuggled Cuban cigars into the United States. He soon drew the attention of the CIA, which recruited him for covert missions over South America using a spy plane. As his involvement deepened, the CIA assigned him to run weapons to the Nicaraguan Contras, pulling him deeper into clandestine conflicts. Simultaneously, Seal arranged independently to traffic drugs into the United States for Pablo Escobar’s notorious Medellín Cartel, motivated by profit and the thrill of evading danger and authority.
In portraying Seal, Tom Cruise moves away from the typical, almost invincible characters he is known for, and instead plays a man who makes self-serving decisions with drastic consequences. Unlike many Cruise films, things do not resolve neatly for his character, giving the movie a distinctive identity within his filmography. Beyond its captivating plot, American Made also touches on the broader and often overlooked impact of U.S. intelligence operations in Latin America, raising questions about the lessons learned from past political scandals involving organizations such as the CIA, Nicaraguan Contras, and the Medellín Cartel.
Why American Made Stands Out Today
Upon its theatrical release in 2017, American Made was not a blockbuster by Cruise’s standards, with earnings of $134 million against a $50 million budget, but critics responded positively. It holds a solid 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its appreciation among reviewers, even when general audiences initially paid less attention. Now that more viewers are discovering the film on streaming, its place as a unique entry among Cruise’s works is being reaffirmed.
The film’s resurgence serves as a timely reminder of a period when Tom Cruise regularly collaborated with renowned filmmakers on projects that explored nuanced characters. Though American Made may not fully mark a return to those days, it clearly demonstrates that Cruise retains the ability to surprise audiences and embody more layered, conflicted personas. The movie’s blend of dark comedy, history, and drama makes it a notable viewing choice for audiences seeking more than just standard action fare.
Key Cast Members Add Depth
American Made features a supporting cast that strengthens its narrative complexity. Domhnall Gleeson portrays a pivotal government agent, while Sarah Wright plays Barry Seal’s wife, adding personal stakes to Seal’s escalating risks. Caleb Landry Jones takes on the role of Seal’s brother-in-law, deepening the depiction of family ties affected by Seal’s dangerous career choices. Together, these actors contribute to a story woven with crime, ambition, and moral uncertainty.
With Barry Seal’s life story, Pablo Escobar’s infamous Medellín Cartel, and the real-world backdrop of the CIA’s actions in the Americas, the Tom Cruise American Made movie delivers a blend of historical intrigue and character-driven drama. As new viewers continue to discover the film via streaming, its reputation as a darkly entertaining and thought-provoking standout in Cruise’s career is likely to grow.
