A family recently arrived from Ireland finds themselves trying to build a new existence within an aging apartment building located in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, while mourning the death of their son. Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton portray the parents, with Djimon Hounsou taking on the role of a solitary artist who also resides in the building. "In America" (2002) is an acceptable drama centered around acclimating to life in a somewhat dilapidated New York City. Samantha Morton’s appearance stands out initially, even with her unconventional hairstyle, though she spends much of the film visibly pregnant. Sarah Bolger delivers a strong performance as Christy, the daughter who serves as the story's narrator; it’s hinted that she will eventually become an exceptionally beautiful otherworldly being. The film feels personal because director and writer Jim Sheridan drew from his own experiences alongside his daughters, Naomi and Kirsten. While much of the emotional weight resonates, certain aspects felt unresolved. This resulted in a rather lukewarm reaction overall, but there's enough merit to warrant attention for those who might be curious. It’s clear that life in New York isn't presented as particularly appealing. I suspect the father undertook this significant relocation to pursue an ambition related to acting. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 44 minutes, with principal photography taking place in Dublin, Ireland, supplemented by studio work at Ardmore Studios and some location footage from Manhattan and surrounding areas. GRADE: C+

Source on TMDB