The film follows Jack (played by George Clooney), a skilled assassin who specializes in creating custom weapons for his clients. After a job goes wrong in Sweden, Jack retreats to a small Italian town, where he takes on a new assignment from his handler, Pavel (played by Johan Leysen).
In Italy, Jack adopts the alias Edward and begins crafting a specialized rifle for his new client, Mathilde (played by Thekla Reuten). As he works on the rifle, Jack keeps a low profile, wary of potential threats from his past.
Despite his efforts to remain detached, Jack becomes involved with Clara (played by Violante Placido), a local prostitute. Their relationship complicates Jack’s already dangerous situation, as he struggles to balance his feelings for Clara with the demands of his profession.
As Jack navigates the complexities of his personal and professional life, he becomes increasingly paranoid and distrustful of those around him. He begins to suspect that he may be a target himself and must constantly watch his back to avoid being caught off guard.
As tensions escalate and Jack’s paranoia reaches its peak, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and make difficult choices that will determine his fate. In a final confrontation, Jack must rely on his skills and instincts to survive and protect those he cares about.
“The American” is praised for its atmospheric cinematography, slow-burning tension, and George Clooney’s nuanced performance as the enigmatic protagonist. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity, morality, and the consequences of a life lived on the edge.