A multifaceted crisis, one that is enduring in its devastating consequences and its persistence across all communities. Gun violence remains a complex and emotionally charged issue. As referenced in American Solitaire, 43,000 gun-related deaths a year on average in America, 120 people a day, 5 people an hour are killed by people in this country. But we are not statistics.

Director Aaron Davidman may have ingrained himself with the art of the consequences of war, searing the likes of PTSD and uncontrollability in his latest tale. A fitting effort, one buoyed by a sincere look at how the world tries to operate with the knowledge of a gun in hand, although some elements are lacking to make it a complete feature.

Picture this: you have a scintillating discussion on hand about a cruel subject that permeates our world today, and surely one that will continue to be discussed for centuries to come. And Joshua Close’s Slinger gives an endearing performance, one that showcases his weight after his work in Killers of the Flower Moon, Wayward, and Monica. However, he exists as a vessel to foster Davidman’s vision about the impact of PTSD and masculinity in our world. There’s no other conflict we can hook onto to keep engagement, other than glimpses of turmoil with his son and other family members/friends. Some scarce moments of reflection do keep the feature afloat, such as his obsessive dismantling and refitting of his firearm or his interactions with Emmett (Jamir Vega). Still, it doesn’t probe further into what he needs to resolve to become a better person or how to learn from this.

Nonetheless, there is a strength in Davidman’s technique here, focusing on the dangers and realities of gun possession. Hana Kitsei’s crisp work depicting a man on the verge of collapsing is a great touch, along with the inclusion of Gilbert Owour’s Auggie and Joanne Kelly’s Athena. And the pacing never feels bogged down as the feature glides along over its 95-minute runtime, accentuating the fact that the production team knew what message they wanted to spread. Consequently, Davidman also leaves some moments open for discussion, a nice touch of ambiguity.

It may not be the most riveting when it comes to the discussions of gun violence, which has been known to shatter communities, but American Solitaire holds its own and compels one to watch.