In a deeply divided climate over gun use in the United States, writer-director Aaron Davidman dives headfirst into the debate with his new film, American Solitaire. Starring Joshua Close, Gilbert Owour and Joanne Kelly, the story follows American veteran Slinger (Close), who returns home and confronts the complexities of gun violence and the urgent need for gun safety.
Now that the film has made its theatrical release on April 17, 2026, at New York City’s Cinema Village, cinephiles are curious to learn more about Davidman’s latest project.
Slinger returns home while recovering from a battle wound, only to realize the fight isn’t over. As he grapples with both the psychological and physical toll of war, he also witnesses how rapidly gun violence is impacting everyday civilians across the United States.
As previously noted, the main cast features Close as Slinger, Owuor as his friend and fellow soldier Auggie and Kelly as a fellow veteran and former CST Athena. Other cast members include Jamir Vega as Emmett, Cooper Huckabee as Dominic, Hudson Brooks as John, Dylan Kussman as Rev. Clay, Lorinda Hawkins as Grace and Ivan Anthony as Young Slinger.
While speaking exclusively with News47.us at the NYC red carpet premiere, Close explained how the storyline contributes to the conversation on gun safety laws in America.
“I think it enters the conversation in a really empathetic way … in a really evolved way,” Joshua said, while pointing out that the movie is “not condemning but also questioning in a country that’s very loose with its gun safety laws.”
“Obviously, there just needs to be better discourse,” the Wayward alum added.
