The American Ending Explained: American ballet dancer Joy Womack is accepted into Moscow's infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy, with the dream of becoming a great ballerina. Directed by James Napier Robertson, this 2023 drama film stars Talia Ryder (Joy Womack), alongside Diane Kruger as Tatiyana Volkova, Oleg Ivenko as Nikolay Lebedev, Natasha Alderslade as Eleanor Womak. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of The American?

American ballet dancer Joy Womack is accepted into Moscow's infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet Academy, with the dream of becoming a great ballerina.

How Does Talia Ryder (Joy Womack)'s Story End?

  • Talia Ryder: Talia Ryder's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Diane Kruger (Tatiyana Volkova): Diane Kruger's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Oleg Ivenko (Nikolay Lebedev): Oleg Ivenko's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The American Mean?

The American's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Talia Ryder may feel rushed. James Napier Robertson's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.