The American celebrates such a delicate art, but is a bloody tale about the cost of obsessively reaching for perfection.

The American may not hold a lot of surprises, from an artist getting a big break, to letting their workaholism and confidence undermine them, to a fall before redemption. Still, it’s worth seeking out for Ryder’s performance.

A "Black Swan" wannabe.

Featuring choreography by Womack herself, this is a rich visual feast with a bitter, edgy core and an excellent ensemble cast led by a fully committed [Talia] Ryder.